Today in Apple history: PowerBook 540c is the best Mac laptop to date
On May 16, 1994, Apple launched the PowerBook 540c, one of the very best laptops in its history. This is what made it so special. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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7 best AI apps for Mac (and how I actually use them)
After months of testing, these apps genuinely improved my workflow. From voice typing to organization, these are the best AI apps for Mac. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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EZQuest USB 4 Dual Display 8-in-1 Hub (Pro Series) review: Two displays, no software required
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Affordable dual-display hub No extra software required 8x USB-C ports, inc 3x USB4 Cons Passthrough power only 77W Our Verdict This compact 10Gbps 8-port hub boasts USB4 for unmatched dual-display support with no extra software installation required. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$149.99 Best Prices Today: EZQuest USB 4 Dual Display 8-in-1 Hub (Pro Series) Retailer Price $119.99 View Deal EZQuest $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This lightweight, compact hub bristles with USB-C ports and uses the latest Intel tech to offer dual-display support without the need for DisplayLink or any other third-party software install. The alternative for users seeking dual-display support on Mac without software dependency is usually a Thunderbolt dock, which cost over twice the price of this portable hub. No-nonsense USB-C To properly expand your pro Mac system you need ports—a lot of ports, and there simply aren’t enough of them on any Mac. The Mac Studio has 12 top-end ports, the Mac mini 8, and MacBook Pro 6. At the other end of the Mac scale, the MacBook Neo has just two and one of them is for charging only. You can add more ports by connecting your Mac to a hub or docking station. A hub usually has just one or two types of port (usually USB), while a dock should be packed with all sorts—the iVanky FusionDock Ultra has 26 ports including USB, Thunderbolt, card readers, 10Gb Ethernet, audio and video ports. USB-C is such a strong connection because it can handle just about everything, if its ports are up to scratch. Too many hubs look like they have a lot to offer but fall down on weak charging power output and slow data transfer. The EZQuest USB 4 Dual Display 8-in-1 Hub (Pro Series) cares not a jot for card readers, networking or audio ports. Instead, it has nearly every edge covered in Type-C connectors. These can be used to connect up to two 4K monitors or multiple devices and adapters—so can easily (at a cost) be turned into fast Ethernet or portable storage connections as you wish. Simon Jary Specs in full 10Gbps USB-C to host (77W to laptop) 4x USB-C (10Gbps, 7.5W) 1x USB-C (100W passthrough) 3x USB4 (10Gbps, 15W) Seven Type-C ports offer a lot of expansion to a MacBook with just two or three Thunderbolt ports. The MacBook Neo has just the one operational USB-C port for data—connect the EZQuest 8-in-1 Hub, and your system is immediately and massively upgraded. The MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and the MacBook Pro three Thunderbolt 4 or 5, depending on the model. On the desktop side: the iMac has two or four Thunderbolt ports, the Mac mini has two USB-C and three Thunderbolt, and the Mac Studio has six USB-C/Thunderbolt available. Six sounds a lot but Studio users are professionals who are likely to demand further expansion possibilities. Simon Jary USB4 beats USB-C for display support These use the same Type-C connector but have different abilities. USB4 is more functional and can support bandwidths of up to 40Gbps, but is also found at 10Gbps and 20Gbps. The implementation here is limited to 10Gbps, which is the same speed as the connection between the hub and the computer. There would be little point having 40Gbps ports if the data is then throttled between the hub and the host. When designing this product, EZQuest prioritized dual-display performance and 8K single-display capability over full 40Gbps data throughput, with the goal to deliver pro display functionality at a competitive price point. The benefit of USB4 in this hub is its ability to pass video data from the computer to one or two displays connected to the hub. Many variants of USB-C don’t support video streams. Each of the three USB4 ports can handle up to an 8K display at a 30Hz refresh rate, although only one at a time. A more likely scenario is for the hub to be linked to 4K screens at 60Hz. Many hubs include an HDMI port for this purpose, but EZQuest’s solution is USB4 that supports a DisplayLink connection but using a Type-C cable. We’ve tested the best USB-C hubs, and the EZQuest 8-in-1 Pro Hub is the only non-40Gbps unit to support two displays without needing an extra software installation. If your model of Mac supports it, this hub can connect two 4K/60Hz displays using two of the three USB4 ports. Only the MacBook Neo and MacBooks based on the older base M1 and M2 chips are limited to one display—to get around that limitation you do need to use a special DisplayLink dock. Using the hub, direct connections are possible using USB-C but monitors without that connection will require USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort adapters. Make sure you connect using a video-capable USB-C cable: we’ve rounded up the best USB-C cables for you to choose from. Simon Jary Power outputs There are six USB-C ports, with one being the upstream connection to the computer and one linking with a charger to passthrough power to the laptop and devices. The hub can take in 100W of power and then offers up to 77W for the connected MacBook and 23W to be shared among the devices plugged into the hub’s ports. Each of the four downstream USB-C ports has the potential to output 7.5W of power, and each of the three USB4 ports support 15W, but the maximum port output is a shared 23W. External SSD drives, for example, require only a minimal 1W when idle but high-performance NVMe drives might demand up to 11W during heavy read/write. 23W therefore should be ample to keep a couple of SSDs operating at full pelt. 77W to the laptop is light compared to some other hubs, such as Plugable’s 10-in-1 USB-C Hub (USBC-10IN1E) that supports 140W in and 125W to the connected laptop. That hub is, however, more limited to device charging with their USB-C ports pegged back at 7.5W compared the EZQuest hub’s 15W USB4 ports. It’s also a one-display solution via HDMI. 77W is enough to keep any MacBook charged unless it’s running at full processing capacity. More power means faster charging. 23W is not enough to charge a second MacBook and 15W is not at the level to fast-charge an iPhone or iPad. For such charging requirements, we recommend you use a direct USB-C charger. If connecting the hub to a MacBook we recommend a 100W charger, although an Air or Neo would be fine with 65W or even 45W at a push. Elsewhere, we’ve reviewed the best USB-C chargers for MacBook and best chargers for iPhone. That said, an iPhone or iPad will certainly charge at 15W, just mot as quickly as it would with more power coming in. Simon Jary Design A docking station with its own power supply can be cumbersome. The EZQuest 8-in-1 Hub is much more portable, although you’ll need to bring your own wall charger. It is a little smaller than a standard USB-C hub, measuring 5.5 x 1.7 x 0.4 inches (140 x 43 x 11mm). At 2.36 oz (67g) it’s incredibly light. The ports are clearly labelled, which is a help when they are all exactly the same shape! The hub comes with a chunky 20-inch (50cm) detachable USB4 cable. Hub rivals An alternative would be the $75 Plugable 10-in-1 USB-C Hub (USBC-10IN1E) that puts 10 pro ports on a longer hub body with built-in cable, including more powerful 125W passthrough charging. This is more of a hub/dock mix with specialist ports, including a fast 2.5Gb Ethernet port, dedicated HDMI port and card readers. The EZQuest Hub’s USB4 ports are more capable in terms of video, with the support for dual monitors, lacking from the Plugable’s single HDMI port—although that hub can reach a 144Hz refresh rate if the connected Mac has at least an M3, Pro or Max chip. While the 8-in-1 Hub lacks card readers and Ethernet, you can add adapters to the ports that will enable this, although these will of course cost you extra. You can buy Thunderbolt hubs that support software-free dual-display support—for example the CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Element Hub, but at $249 it costs an extra $100 on the EZQuest. Drop to Thunderbolt 4, and the $179 CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is closer in price and boasts three downstream TB4 ports and four USB-A. Its 60W power to the laptop is even less than the EZQuest hub, though, and we think four USB-A is overkill these days in the world of USB-C. For more options read our reviews of the best USB-C hubs for Mac or consider a fuller set of connection and charging options with one of the best Thunderbolt docking stations. Price The EZQuest USB 4 Dual Display 8-in-1 Hub (Pro Series) is priced at $149.99. That looks pricey for a hub but remember it offers a single 8K or driverless dual 4K monitor support that is lacking at anything near this price and portability. If you want the very top-end of the port business you must go full-in with a docking station, but these are rarely portable and often costs hundreds. Should you buy the EZQuest USB 4 Dual Display 8-in-1 Hub (Pro Series)? With eight 10Gbps USB-C ports offering software-free dual-display video and passthrough charging, this super-portable hub is focused on connection flexibility rather than being a half-dock that decides for you what it thinks is the best solution.

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Apple, Epic agree on pre-court schedule for new fee proposals
Ahead of the return to District Court for the continued appeals process in the Apple-Epic legal fight, the two companies have made a schedule to discuss a change in App Store fees for outbound links.An image from an Epic Games video mocking Apple's 1984 ad - Image Credit: Epic GamesThe May 6 decision by the Supreme Court to decline Apple's request for a stay on a mandate to meet Epic Games to negotiate a new commission rate means more legal action in the coming months. In preparation, the two sides have agreed on a few ground rules for that meeting.In a joint filing to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on May 15, there is a multi-point schedule of actions and activities for the two companies. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Take your shot at a solo-mining win with this $60 desktop Bitcoin miner (+ free shipping)
Macworld TL;DR: The BlockChance™ Bitcoin Ticket Miner is a compact, silent solo-mining device with a touchscreen display, Wi-Fi support, and 1,000 KH/s hashing power for $59.99 with free shipping. There’s something undeniably funny—and also kind of amazing—about the idea that a tiny gadget sitting on your desk could technically mine an entire Bitcoin block. But that’s the idea behind the BlockChance™ Bitcoin Ticket Miner. Right now, it’s available for $59.99 (reg. $149.99) with free shipping, giving Bitcoin fans, hobbyists, tinkerers, and crypto-curious people a way to participate in solo-mining. Instead of mining tiny fractions of Bitcoin through massive mining pools, BlockChance works more like a probability game. It continuously submits solo-mining “tickets” for a chance to land a full Bitcoin block reward. It’s fully standalone, runs on Wi-Fi, includes a built-in touchscreen dashboard, and doesn’t require a separate PC. Just plug it in, connect it, and let it run. Powered by official NMMiner firmware, the device pushes around 1,000 KH/s of hashrate. It also runs silently and uses less power than a light bulb. Realistically, the odds are still long. But the appeal is about the entertaining possibility that one lucky ticket changes everything. Get this BlockChance Bitcoin Ticket Miner for $59.99 (reg. $149.99) with free shipping. BlockChance™ Bitcoin Ticket MinerSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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This MS Project Pro lifetime license is just $15
Macworld TL;DR: Microsoft Project Professional 2021 is down to $14.97 through May 17, giving Windows users a lifetime project management solution. If one of your goals is to feel a little more on top of everything — your work, your personal projects, your side hustles — Microsoft Project 2021 Professional is a tool that will definitely make a huge difference. And because this lifetime license is only $14.97 (MSRP $249.99), it’s an easy upgrade for anyone looking to be more productive without investing in something complicated or expensive. Pre-built templates make getting started easy, while automated scheduling tools handle dependencies, timelines, and resource allocation for you. One of the standout features is its ability to generate clean, visual timelines. If you’ve ever struggled to explain a project’s scope in an email, this alone is worth the download. Built-in reporting tools also help you spot bottlenecks, compare scenarios, and adjust your workload before things get overwhelming. You can even sync with Project Online or Project Server if your workplace uses them. If you’re ready to better organize your responsibilities, this is one of the simplest, most affordable ways to do so. Get lifetime access to Microsoft Project 2021 Professional while it’s just $14.97 (reg. $249.99) through May 17 at 11:59 PM PT. Microsoft Project 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for WindowsSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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A $35 adapter lets you wirelessly connect to wired CarPlay
Macworld TL;DR: Get a Mini Wireless CarPlay Adapter on sale for $34.99 (reg. $59.99). Wired CarPlay works fine until you’re juggling a phone, a charger, and a cable every time you get in the car. This compact adapter plugs into your car’s USB port and converts your factory wired CarPlay into a fully wireless setup, and it’s on sale for $34.99 right now (reg. $59.99). Setup is a one-time thing. Pair once via Bluetooth, and the adapter auto-reconnects in under three seconds every time you start the car. No app required, no reconfiguring, nothing. Navigation, music, calls, voice assistants, and all your factory controls, including the touchscreen, steering wheel buttons, rotary knobs, and voice commands, work exactly as they did before. The dual-band setup runs on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, which keeps the connection stable and fast rather than dropping out on longer drives. At just 1.2 inches across with a flush-fit profile, it sits smaller than most adapters and doesn’t stick out awkwardly from the dash. Built-in overheat, surge, and short-circuit protection mean it handles real driving conditions without issues. The Mini Wireless CarPlay Adapter works with iPhone 6 or later and more than 1,000 vehicle models, and you can pick one up now for only $35. Mini Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto AdapterSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple Cash is down for some iPhone users in the U.S.
If you’ve been unable to use Apple Cash over the last few hours, you’re not alone, as the service is currently experiencing an outage affecting some users in the U.S. Here are the details. more…

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The LiberNovo Maxis ergonomic chair sets a new standard for big and tall users
Anyone who has ever used a properly designed ergonomic chair will know the difference it can make to comfort, especially when working longer hours. Taller and larger-framed professionals, however, can find it challenging to enjoy the same benefits. That’s the problem the LiberNovo Maxis set out to solve — bringing the core innovations of the award-winning LiberNovo Omni, positioned as the world’s first dynamic ergonomic chair, into a design tailored for bigger and taller users. Key features including the Bionic FlexFit Backrest, Dynamic Support System, and Motorized Massage Mode have all been retained in the Maxis series, alongside the premium engineering that helped the Omni earn Red Dot: Product Design 2026 and iF Design Award 2026. more…

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Apple discounts iPhone in China ahead of annual 618 shopping festival
As it has done since at least 2021, Apple is discounting the iPhone in China as part of the country’s 618 shopping festival. Here are the details. more…

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AirPods Max designer reveals project details in new interview
Eugene Whang, a former Apple hardware designer who spent 22 years at the company before following Jony Ive to LoveFrom, has shared new details about the development of AirPods Max in an interview with Highsnobiety. Here are the details. more…

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Make AI text truly undetectable: This tool bypasses every detector (95% off lifetime deal)
The Undetectable Humanizer transforms your AI-generated text into natural, human-like prose to help it bypass AI-detection systems. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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WhatsApp finally starts rolling out Liquid Glass more broadly on iOS
After months of very limited testing, WhatsApp is finally bringing the first stage of its Liquid Glass redesign to more users. Here are the details. more…

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Apple’s autumn 2026 product avalanche: Slew of new devices coming, headlined by the first foldable ‘iPhone Ultra’
Apple is preparing one of its busiest and most transformative hardware seasons in years. According to a detailed roundup… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple shares hit new all-time intraday and closing highs
In Nasdaq trading today, shares of Apple Inc. rose to hit a new all-time closing high. Apple’s all-time intraday high was also set today… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Court grants Musk’s bid to add Craig Federighi to Apple/OpenAI lawsuit, spares Cook
Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, has been added as a document custodian in xAI’s antitrust lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI. Here’s what that means. more…

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TipBITS: How Fake Contacts Can Fix Dictation’s Proper Noun Problems
Does Dictation substitute a contact’s name for a common word, fail to capitalize proper nouns, or mangle unusual spellings? You can fix these frustrations by adding—or subtly editing—entries in Contacts.

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Apple shares climbed to a record high as investors look past AI concerns
Apple shares closed above $300 for the first time after investors rewarded the company's stronger-than-expected earnings, surging Services revenue, and massive $100 billion buyback despite continued criticism of its delayed AI rollout.Apple Stocks appApple shares closed at a new record high of $300.23 on May 15, surpassing both the $300 mark and the company's previous closing record of $287.51 set on May 6. Earlier in 2026, investors worried about delayed Siri features, slowing hardware growth, tariff exposure, and growing competition in generative AI.Apple stock briefly reached a 52 week high during the trading day of $303.20.The rally accelerated after Apple reported $111.2 billion in revenue and earnings per share of $2.01 for the quarter ending March 28, both above Wall Street expectations. The company also approved another $100 billion stock buyback and raised its quarterly dividend to $0.27 per share. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV is on a hot streak with new shows, with more coming soon
Apple TV is about to kick off its best summer lineup ever, but the streamer is already on a roll with recent premieres. Here are three recent new series in Apple TV’s hot streak, and upcoming shows that seem poised to keep it going. more…

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Apple TV’s ‘Widow’s Bay’ series walks a tonal tightrope to bewitching effect – Variety
Apple TV's new “Widow’s Bay” series is set in a quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England. But something lurks beneath… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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