MacTech News

Apple’s iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in quarter one of 2026

Apple’s iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in quarter one of 2026, capturing 6% of global unit sales, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest Global Handset Model Sales Tracker. The iPhone 17 Series captured the top three spots, while Samsung...

Apple posts release candidates of its operating systems

Apple has rolled out release candidates of macOS Tahoe 26.5, iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5. A release candidate (RC), also known as gamma testing or “going silver”, is a beta version with the potential to be a stable product, which...

Inference computing is the moment when AI interprets data and starts delivering results in real-time

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News items you should check out: May 4

Since I can’t cover everything, here are some recommended articles from other websites. ° From AppleInsider: Apple is keen for there to be a sequel to “F1: The Movie,” SVP Eddy Cue said, as the company hopes to increase its involvement with the motorsport in the...

Apple exec Amar Subramanya makes the ‘AI 25’ list by ‘The Hollywood Reporter’

Apple’s Amar Subramanya has made the “AI 25” list by “The Hollywood Reporter.” It’s a list of “the most powerful people in this burgeoning area of Hollywood AI as it stands at this very moment.” Subramanya s joined Apple as vice president of AI in December 2025. He’s...

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Opinion

I don’t think Apple will skip version 9 of the Apple Watch and jump to version X

As noted by AppleInsider, a rumor from France’s iPhoneSoft site says that Apple is going to produce an “Apple Watch X” for 2024, as radical a change as the iPhone X was. The Sellers Research Group (that’s me) says this ain’t gonna happen. iPhoneSoft says that Apple...

Is there really a need for a new iMac Pro?

In a July edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is still working on an iMac Pro with a larger display and a more powerful chip. The question is: do we really need one? The iMac, as originally conceived and released in 1998, was...

Apple should revive the AirPort line-up with Wi-Fi 6E support

With the revamped MacBook Pros supporting Wi-Fi 6E and the iPhone 14 certain to do the same, it’s time for Apple to review its AirPort line-up with Wi-Fi 6E support. So what is Wi-Fi 6E and do you need it? Here’s how Wired describes the technology: Wi-Fi 6E is the...

Six products that Apple should revive? Only one make sense to me

Now that Apple has brought the HomePod back from the dead, Trusted Reviews lists six canned products that the tech giant should revive. Some of them make sense, some of them don’t. Here’s the list, with a Trusted Review comment, and my take on a revival of the...

Apple’s next rev of the MacBook Air could pack a 3nm M3 chip

Apple will release a new MacBook Air in the second half of 2023 which could sport a 3nm chip, according to the Taiwanese publication DigiTimes (a subscription is required to read the entire article). The article doesn’t offer additional details. However, there are...

AR in retail market expected to reach $63.1 billion in value by 2032

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Thursday May 14
06:13 pm
Amazon slashes $200 off 1TB M5 MacBook Pro, dropping price to $1,499 | AppleInsider
Amazon slashes $200 off 1TB M5 MacBook Pro, dropping price to $1,499
The $200 discount applies to the M5 model with 1TB of storage, matching the lowest price on record. Plus, grab an even larger markdown on an upgraded spec.Amazon has dropped Apple's 1TB M5 MacBook Pro to $1,499 - Image credit: AppleThe $1,499.99 special is available on the 14-inch MacBook Pro with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. It also has 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage, with the $200 discount available in your choice of Space Black or Silver.Buy M5/16GB/1TB MacBook Pro for $1,499.99 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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06:11 pm
Car Keys in Apple Wallet now available for a major new vehicle brand | 9 to 5 Mac
Car Keys in Apple Wallet now available for a major new vehicle brand
Apple Wallet’s car key feature has expanded to several notable vehicle brands recently, with the latest being Porsche. Here are the details. more…
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06:03 pm
OpenAI considering suing Apple because ChatGPT integrations weren't a money fountain | AppleInsider
OpenAI considering suing Apple because ChatGPT integrations weren't a money fountain
OpenAI is exploring possible legal action after users did what they wanted with Apple's ChatGPT integrations and didn't sign up for enough paid accounts, instead of doing what CEO Sam Altman expected.ChatGPT can plug into Apple IntelligenceA May 14 Bloomberg report says OpenAI has enlisted outside legal counsel and discussed options that could include sending Apple a breach-of-contract notice. OpenAI reportedly expected deeper ChatGPT integration across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS to drive large subscription growth through Apple's ecosystem.Executives at OpenAI now believe the partnership has been financially disappointing and far more limited than anticipated. Apple and OpenAI entered the agreement with distinct priorities.Apple needed a recognizable AI partner while major Siri upgrades and Apple Intelligence features were still under development. OpenAI sought access to hundreds of millions of Apple users, believing the iPhone could become a significant source of recurring ChatGPT subscriptions worth billions annually. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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05:45 pm
Apple-OpenAI partnership frays amid disappointing results, setting stage for potential legal battle | Mac Daily News
Apple-OpenAI partnership frays amid disappointing results, setting stage for potential legal battle
In a development that could send shockwaves through the tech industry, Apple’s stopgap partnership with OpenAI has reportedly… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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05:37 pm
This $20 app turns IQ tests into actual career insights for life | Cult of Mac
This $20 app turns IQ tests into actual career insights for life
This platform combines IQ testing, personality profiling and real-world job matching. Get lifetime access to IQ Career Lab for just $19.99. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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05:14 pm
How to Face Swap on macOS (2026 Guide) | Macworld
How to Face Swap on macOS (2026 Guide)
Macworld Face swap on Mac with VidMage Try It Now (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); On paper, face swapping is no longer a technical challenge. The underlying AI has matured quickly, and results have improved across the board. But for Mac users, the experience of actually using these tools hasn’t always kept pace. Yet Mac users have historically faced a familiar problem: many AI-powered tools either prioritize Windows ecosystems or rely heavily on cloud workflows that compromise speed, privacy, or quality. That’s where newer platforms like VidMage aim to shift the balance, offering a more optimized experience for Mac users seeking reliable, high-quality face-swap solutions. But how does a tool like this actually fit into the broader landscape of AI media editing? And, more importantly, does it meet the expectations of Mac users accustomed to refined, performance-conscious software? Let’s break it down. The Growing Demand for Face Swap on Mac Search interest in “face swap for Mac” has grown steadily over the past two years, driven by three observable shifts in content creation: The dominance of short-form video platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) Wider accessibility of AI‑generated content tools A creator economy that increasingly values speed and differentiation However, for macOS users, most face‑swap solutions come with friction: Open‑source tools often require manual setup—Python environments, dependency management, and GPU configuration. Browser‑based services struggle with large video files and impose upload limits. Professional editing suites like Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro lack built‑in AI face‑swap features. The result is a clear gap between what users want—fast, clean, realistic face swaps—and what existing tools actually deliver on Mac. VidMage positions itself directly within that gap. A Mac‑First Approach to AI Face Swapping VidMage Where many AI tools treat macOS as an afterthought, VidMage adopts a workflow clearly optimized for Mac users. It runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1 or later) and processes all files locally—no internet connection required, no file size limits, and no uploads to external servers. The tool supports batch processing for multiple files, 4K export resolution, and automatic face detection and enhancement. Core capabilities: Face swap in videos, photos, and GIFs Local processing (files never leave the device) No file size or upload restrictions Batch processing for multiple files 4K export support Automatic face detection and enhancement Instead of requiring command‑line input, GPU tuning, or third‑party libraries, VidMage streamlines the process into a four‑step pipeline: Step 1: Import source media. Open the VidMage Mac app and import the video, photo, or GIF to be edited. The tool supports all common media formats and, because processing happens locally, imposes no file size caps. VidMage Step 2: Add the target face image. Upload a clear, well‑lit photo of the face to swap in (JPG or PNG recommended). For best results, the source face image should have good lighting and a fully visible face. VidMage Step 3. Choose the facial feature mask to swap only the lips, mouth, or nose. Step 4. Export with minimal manual adjustment This workflow mirrors what Mac users expect from tools like iMovie or Pixelmator: focused, efficient, and visually guided. The software does not require a native Apple Silicon build to feel at home on macOS—though performance benefits are noticeable on M‑series chips. Evaluating Output Quality: Alignment, Lighting, and Motion Face‑swap tools typically fall into two camps: Quick but low‑quality: obvious artifacts, poor edge blending, and inconsistent lighting. High‑quality but technically demanding: requiring model training, manual keyframing, or GPU clusters. VidMage attempts to bridge that divide by prioritizing output realism without demanding technical expertise. In practice, that translates into three areas: Facial Alignment Precision The AI model emphasizes consistent facial structure mapping, reducing common issues such as misaligned eyes, warped proportions, or unnatural expressions. Lighting & Skin Tone Adaptation Mismatched lighting is one of the quickest giveaways in face‑swap content. VidMage’s processing adjusts tone and exposure to better match the target scene—particularly noticeable in video outputs where lighting changes across frames. Motion Consistency in Video For video swaps, frame‑to‑frame temporal consistency is critical. Many tools break down here, producing flicker or distortion. VidMage reduces these artifacts, delivering smoother results suitable for social media and light professional use. The outcome is not Hollywood‑grade VFX, but it is a clear step above novelty filters. Conclusion That’s the complete how‑to for face swap on macOS using VidMage. No terminal, no cloud uploads, no file size anxiety. Just a local Mac app, a few clicks, and a swapped face that never leaves your drive. The key takeaways are simple: use well‑lit, front‑facing source footage for best results; keep low‑light or fast‑motion clips under 15 seconds per render; and remember that the free tier caps at roughly 20‑30 seconds of video daily. If you need longer clips, batch processing, or 4K export, the paid plan removes those limits. For Mac users who value privacy over convenience‑at‑any‑cost, this workflow offers a rare combination: local processing without the usual open‑source setup headaches. Now go test it with your own footage—you’ll see exactly where it shines and where a quick lighting fix makes all the difference.
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05:10 pm
macOS 26.5 has a new way to turn on your Mac | Macworld
macOS 26.5 has a new way to turn on your Mac
Macworld Apple released macOS 26.5 earlier this week, and it’s mostly filled with security updates, to go along with Maps’ Suggested Places and RCS end-to-end encryption. However, Apple added a new option for desktop Mac owners who think it’s too difficult to reach their Mac’s power button. In the Energy section of System Settings for the Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Studio, there’s a new option labeled “Start up when power is connected.” According to an Apple support document, “Your Mac will now automatically turn on whenever you connect it to power, such as when plugging it into a power outlet or restoring power using an external power switch.” Foundry This new option is meant to address complaints about the Mac mini’s power button, which is located under the computer. You have to lift the computer slightly to access the button, which is awkward and a problem when the Mac mini is placed in a chassis or mounted in a specific way, as is somewhat common with the Mac mini due to its small size. This option also allows users to use switches and other assistive accessories to control the power. Unsupported Macs will see the old option to “Start up automatically after a power failure.” To install the macOS 26.5 update, go to System Settings > General > Software Update. The Mac will need to restart, and the installation takes several minutes.
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05:08 pm
OpenAI preparing ‘legal action’ against Apple over Siri partnership: report | 9 to 5 Mac
OpenAI preparing ‘legal action’ against Apple over Siri partnership: report
Apple and OpenAI inked a deal to integrate ChatGPT with Siri as part of iOS 18 in 2024. According to a new report today, however, OpenAI is displeased with how the partnership has played out and is considering taking legal action against Apple. more…
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05:00 pm
Anthropic’s Mythos helped find bugs in Apple’s macOS | Mac Daily News
Anthropic’s Mythos helped find bugs in Apple’s macOS
In a striking example of how advanced AI is reshaping cybersecurity, researchers inspired by Anthropic’s unreleased Mythos AI mode… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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04:58 pm
iPhone 17 Pro beats 32 smartphones in charging speed test | Cult of Mac
iPhone 17 Pro beats 32 smartphones in charging speed test
Apple's flagship iPhone 17 Pro wins charging speed test, topping 32 others from the likes of Samsung and Google. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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04:57 pm
Anthropic's Mythos AI outsmarted Apple's Mac security systems | AppleInsider
Anthropic's Mythos AI outsmarted Apple's Mac security systems
Security researchers have admitted that Anthropic's Mythos AI model has been able to hack macOS, bypassing Apple's security systems in a way never previously achieved.The Mac's increasing popularity is a blessing and a curseMythos is an early version of a new, more powerful Claude AI model software that is yet to be made public. Anthropic's engineers have warned that it is too good at finding security exploits to allow it into the wild.Now, proof of its abilities has come in the form of an escalation exploit. If used correctly, the exploit could potentially allow a hacker to gain control of a Mac despite Apple's security measures. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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04:55 pm
Get an extra 2TB for your Mac for just $210 with this rare sale | Macworld
Get an extra 2TB for your Mac for just $210 with this rare sale
Macworld 2TB Lexar SL500 Portable SSD View Deal (function () { document.querySelector("#sticky-promo-block a").addEventListener("click", function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest("#sticky-promo-block").querySelector("p.promo-title").textContent; const data = { event: "stickyConversionUnitClick", eventCategory: "Sticky Conversion", eventAction: "Click", eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log("Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: ", data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); With memory and storage shortages impacting everyone, it’s rare to see any type of deals on portable SSDs these days. Well, we’ve got one today: This 2TB Lexar SL500 model is on sale for a record-low at B&H Photo, shaving off $190 off the $400 price tag when you click the on-page coupon. The Lexar SL500 is tiny enough to fit into your palm and light enough that you won’t hate carrying it with you; in fact, you might just forget you have it with you. With a USB-C 3.2 interface, this portable SSD can hit read speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,800 MB/s. That means that if you connect it to your phone, you can use it to record 4K vids at 60fps without filling up precious storage space. Getting an extra 2TB for your laptop, phone, or tablet is absolutely fantastic, especially if you’ve got a 256GB MacBook Air or Neo. Having a place to store all those pics and vids will also save you on those monthly iCloud fees. Lexar’s DataShield 256-bit AES encryption will protect your data from snooping eyes, while the IP53 dust and water rating will keep the device safe from the elements (and your clumsiness when spilling water on your desk). Our friends at PCWorld gave this drive 4.5 stars when they reviewed it, praising its performance, profile, and 5-year warranty. In a world where storage deals are so rare they make the news, it’s time to take advantage of this $190 discount and get 2TB of extra storage space for $210.
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04:00 pm
Nitrogen ransomware gang claims major data theft from Apple’s key supplier Foxconn | Mac Daily News
Nitrogen ransomware gang claims major data theft from Apple’s key supplier Foxconn
Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant best known as Apple's primary contract manufacturer for iPhones and other… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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03:57 pm
New macOS vulnerabilities were exposed by Anthropic’s Mythos: report | 9 to 5 Mac
New macOS vulnerabilities were exposed by Anthropic’s Mythos: report
Anthropic’s Mythos AI model has famously been kept fairly secret due to its apparent risk to software systems around the world. And today a new report says Mythos was used to expose macOS security vulnerabilities that Apple is investigating now. more…
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03:52 pm
Trump Mobile's low-end T1 Android phone ships soon, for iPhone 17e prices | AppleInsider
Trump Mobile's low-end T1 Android phone ships soon, for iPhone 17e prices
Three renders later, and still not made in America despite original claims to the contrary, the low-end Android phone Trump Mobile took preorders for a year ago will reportedly ship soon.The latest renders of the Trump T1 phone, along with Trump Mobile's promotional images featuring Eric Trump - images credit: Trump MobileImmediately following widespread reports that the Trump T1 cellphone may never ship, Trump Mobile has announced that oh, yes, it will. In a posting on X with another render, the company says that it has arrived, and will "start shipping this week."The T1 Phone has arrived!! Those who pre-ordered the T1 Phone will be receiving an update email. Phones start shipping this week!!! pic.twitter.com/IsOre1cBa1— Trump Mobile (@TrumpMobile) May 13, 2026 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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03:36 pm
Hackers used faked Apple & Yahoo infrastructure to hide malware | AppleInsider
Hackers used faked Apple & Yahoo infrastructure to hide malware
Hackers spent months hiding malware behind fake Apple-themed internet infrastructure and similarly bogus Windows pop-ups to infiltrate organizations across the Asia-Pacific region without triggering obvious security alarms. Here's how they did it.Attackers impersonated CDN infrastructure. Image credit: DarktraceThe malware was disguised as trusted Apple and Yahoo-themed internet infrastructure. Legitimate Windows software and DLL sideloading concealed a modular remote access trojan within ordinary network traffic.Activity first appeared in customer networks in late September 2025 and primarily affected organizations in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region. Researchers observed repeated abuse of trusted executables and fake CDN infrastructure inside corporate environments.Attackers impersonated CDN infrastructure tied to major technology brands to make malicious traffic appear legitimate. Trusted Windows binaries and DLL sideloading then launched a modular .NET remote access trojan. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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03:31 pm
iPhone 18 Pro: Three new features could make you want to upgrade | 9 to 5 Mac
iPhone 18 Pro: Three new features could make you want to upgrade
iPhone 18 Pro is coming this fall, and three new features could be among the top upgrade motivators for Apple’s latest flagship model. more…
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03:29 pm
Deals: Most affordable M5 MacBook Pro $1,499, base 16-inch M5 Pro $250 off, iPhone 16e from $449, more | 9 to 5 Mac
Deals: Most affordable M5 MacBook Pro $1,499, base 16-inch M5 Pro $250 off, iPhone 16e from $449, more
While Amazon is shipping MacBook Neo from $590 as early as tomorrow, today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by the most affordable M5 MacBook Pro you can buy back at $1,499 Amazon low ($300 off launch price), alongside the base model 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro at $249 off and Apple’s 48GB M5 Pro MacBook Pro at $300 off. You can also land rare deals on iPhone 16e down as low as $449 at Amazon today and Apple’s 13-inch M4/M5 iPad Pro Magic Keyboard at 25% off. Just be sure to scope out the now live ecobee 2026 Memorial Day sale at up to $120 off and even more down below. more…
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03:03 pm
iPhone bucks trend as US smartphone market stumbles | Cult of Mac
iPhone bucks trend as US smartphone market stumbles
New data shows iPhone managing to buck the US smartphone sales slump in the first quarter of 2026. iPhone 17 has a lot to do with it. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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03:00 pm
Apple’s Liquid Glass design wins four Art Directors Club Awards | Mac Daily News
Apple’s Liquid Glass design wins four Art Directors Club Awards
Apple’s groundbreaking new software design language, Liquid Glass, introduced with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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Tuesday April 07
01:09 pm
Foldable iPhone Engineering Delays Could Push Launch Into 2027 | MacRumors
Foldable iPhone Engineering Delays Could Push Launch Into 2027
Apple has run into "more issues than expected" during the engineering test phase of its foldable iPhone, potentially delaying the device's launch well into 2027. According to a new report from Nikkei Asia, engineering problems emerging during the foldable iPhone's early test production phase are more complex and taking longer to resolve than Apple anticipated. The device is currently undergoing engineering verification testing, a critical stage in validating an all-new design before it can proceed toward mass production. Component suppliers have reportedly been notified that production schedules may need to be pushed back, indicating that Apple is already adjusting its timeline as it works to resolve the issues. The foldable iPhone was already expected to launch later than the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max in September, potentially following a staggered release pattern similar to the iPhone X, but the newly surfaced engineering setbacks increase the risk of further delays beyond that window. "It's true that more issues than expected have emerged during the early test production phase, and additional time will be needed to resolve them and make necessary adjustments," a source familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia. "The current situation could put the mass production timeline at risk." The source also stressed the urgency of the next few weeks: "April will mark a crucial stage of the engineering verification test, and this month till early May is extremely critical." Nikkei cites sources both inside Apple and among component suppliers warning of delays. Issues surrounding the engineering development of the foldable are more complex than expected, and in a worst-case scenario could delay first shipments by months. "Apple and the supply chain are working under a pressured timeline and the current solutions are not enough to completely solve the engineering challenge," the source said. "More time is needed." Leaker Fixed Focus Digital today claimed that the device is being delayed by ongoing pricing negotiations with manufacturing partners and an unresolved decision over hinge materials. Apple is said to be choosing between liquid metal, which could improve durability and reduce creasing, and a 3D-printed titanium alloy, with a final decision expected during the Production Validation Test phase in July or early August. Meanwhile, unresolved cost discussions with its assembly partner could further impact the production schedule.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTag: Foldable iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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12:57 pm
New Book Details Vision Pro's Troubled Launch in Apple Stores | MacRumors
New Book Details Vision Pro's Troubled Launch in Apple Stores
A new book by New York Times labor reporter Noam Scheiber argues that Apple's decade-long erosion of its retail workforce directly contributed to the disappointing launch of the Apple Vision Pro in early 2024 (via WIRED). The book, Mutiny: The Rise and Revolt of the College-Educated Working Class, draws on interviews with Apple Store employees to document how staffing cuts, reduced training, and a shift toward aggressive sales metrics left Apple retail staff ill-equipped to demo the Vision Pro. Apple flew hundreds of retail employees to Cupertino in early 2024 for secretive Vision Pro training, requiring NDAs, phone confiscation, and strict silence between colleagues at different stages of the program, to preserve the "novelty" of the experience. Upon their return to their stores, they were tasked with leading four-hour workshops, but many salespeople received only minimal preparation, with some given as little as a 20-minute demo and limited time to rehearse a complex script before presenting to customers. The challenge was compounded by a workforce that included many recently converted employees with little prior experience of scripted product launches, leaving some ill-equipped to deliver the carefully choreographed demonstrations. The demo itself was technically demanding. Employees had to scan customers' faces, select from roughly 25 different light seals, and guide users through eye- and hand-based controls before working through a script that ran to more than a dozen screens. The training was so haphazard that many employees who received early demos were unknowingly seeing blurry content, the result of small fitting errors that nobody had caught. With stores staffed so leanly, managers struggled to pull employees off the floor for the preparation time Apple corporate had intended, and demo quality varied enormously. Some employees noticed a disconnect between Cupertino's expectations and floor-level reality. Scheiber traces the deterioration to the transition from Steve Jobs to Tim Cook. Jobs built Apple retail around a permanently employed, generously compensated workforce, on the theory that any worker who felt second-class would make customers feel the same way. Under Cook, that model was progressively unwound: contractor numbers grew, training shifted from multi-week instructor-led programs to brief self-guided modules, and leadership rotated toward cost control. After an unsuccessful attempt to slash staffing under John Browett, Cook installed Angela Ahrendts, whose sensibility was closer to the Jobs era, but her 2019 departure brought in Deirdre O'Brien, who pushed stores toward conventional retail metrics: device activations, accessory attachment rates, and AppleCare+ sign-ups. The "creative" role tracked a similar trajectory, shrinking from unlimited one-on-one customer tutorials to group sessions to what some employees described as barely disguised product marketing. Apple sold fewer than 500,000 Vision Pro units in 2024, compared to roughly 10 million Apple Watches in their first year on sale and more than 200 million iPhones annually. The book notes that Apple had originally projected first-year Apple Watch sales at around 40 million units before slashing that forecast by more than 70% and that it was store employees who helped rescue the launch, surfacing the health and fitness angle through daily floor-level conversations with managers. This time the dynamic ran in reverse. Whereas retail staff had once helped pull Apple out of a stumbling product launch, the book argues, this time they made one worse. The Vision Pro's own limitations played a significant role in the shortfall, such as a roughly 1.5-pound weight, a limited selection of apps, and a $3,500 base price rising to around $4,000 with common upgrades and accessories. Because few employees could afford the device even with their 25% staff discount, they had little opportunity to build familiarity with it outside of work. About a week after launch, managers in many stores quietly allowed salespeople to read the demo script from an iPad rather than deliver it from memory, which some staff said degraded the experience. A few months later, many stores abandoned the script altogether. Managers began asking staff to recruit customers for demos on the floor, and some informally lowered the minimum age requirement from 13. The Vision Pro's sales performance at store level told its own story. By late May 2024, employees at the Towson store were reporting weeks in which they sold no units at all, and occasionally recorded negative sales figures after processing returns. Mutiny: The Rise and Revolt of the College-Educated Working Class is out now from Farrar, Straus and Giroux. See the full excerpt in WIRED for more information.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTag: WiredBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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12:47 pm
Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Hitting Late-Stage Manufacturing Snags | MacRumors
Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Hitting Late-Stage Manufacturing Snags
Apple's first foldable iPhone is being held up by pricing negotiations with manufacturing partners and an unresolved decision about hinge materials, rather than component or display problems, according to Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital. Apple is expected to release its first foldable iPhone later this year, in the form of a book-style device that unfolds to reveal a screen about the size of an iPad mini. Reports suggest it will feature a 7.8-inch main display when unfolded and a 5.5-inch cover display, but claims of when it will launch have yet to arrive at a consensus, with reports suggesting a release could come as early as September or as late as December. In a post today on social network Weibo, Fixed Focus Digital cited their own supply chain sources claiming Apple is still undecided on the hinge material, with the company still apparently weighing liquid metal against 3D-printed titanium alloy, which was most recently used in the iPhone Air. Rumors going back to March 2025 claimed that Apple had settled on the use of liquid metal for the hinge, which could improve durability and reduce screen creasing. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has previously used liquid metal in smaller device components like SIM ejector pins, but the foldable iPhone will be the company's first major use of the material in a critical mechanical part. Fixed Focus Digital expects Apple to settle on its preferred material during the device's Production Validation Test (PVT) phase between July and early August, which would be the latest time for such a decision to be realistically made – assuming the device is scheduled to ship this year. The second, potentially more disruptive issue is allegedly price negotiations with Apple's assembly partner, which the leaker suggested could affect the production schedule. Apple's first foldable iPhone could end up costing nearly twice as much as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with retail pricing likely to be somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500. According to Kuo, the foldable iPhone will include two rear cameras, a single front-facing camera, and Touch ID integrated into the power button. The device could measure just 4.5mm thick when unfolded, and between 9mm and 9.5mm when closed. Fixed Focus Digital previously broke the news ahead of launch about the iPhone 16e name for Apple's upcoming iPhone SE successor.Tags: Fixed Focus Digital, Foldable iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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11:23 am
Foldable iPhone Design Revealed in Images of Dummy Models | MacRumors
Foldable iPhone Design Revealed in Images of Dummy Models
Leaker Sonny Dickson today shared images of the first iPhone 18 Pro, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and foldable iPhone dummy models. The images conform with rumors about the designs of the three devices. iPhone dummy units are intended to take the place of real devices for testing purposes, particularly for accessory manufacturers, who seek to mass produce items such as cases prior to the announcement of new devices, which necessitates a relatively high level of accuracy. While the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max look largely the same as their predecessors, other than a smaller Dynamic Island visible on the dummies, the foldable iPhone features a completely new design. With a passport-style form factor, it is unlike any iPhone we've seen before. Previously, the best idea of what the first foldable iPhone could look like came from a 3D model based on a mockup created by MacRumors forums user iZac, who based his design on rumors that were circulating in May. While many aspects of that speculative design appear to be true, such as a horizontal dual-camera array and volume buttons on the top of the device, there are some key differences that we have not seen before. Firstly, the foldable iPhone does not appear to have a unibody design like the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models, with no window for a glass insert to facilitate wireless charging. With no separation between the rear and the camera plateau, this suggests that the device's entire rear may be made of glass like the iPhone Air. Secondly, the camera plateau does not extend the full width of the device like the ‌iPhone Air‌, stopping around three quarters of the way along the back of the device. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display with an iPad-style 4:3 aspect ratio, a 5.5-inch outer display, an ultra-thin 4.5mm titanium frame, a class-leading display with a reduced crease, Touch ID, and a starting price of around $2,000. The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and first foldable iPhone are expected to launch in the fall, but the latest rumors suggest that the foldable could be delayed. Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTags: Foldable iPhone, Sonny DicksonThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Monday April 06
11:14 pm
Apple Continues Promoting iOS 26 and macOS 26 Liquid Glass With Updated Design Gallery | MacRumors
Apple Continues Promoting iOS 26 and macOS 26 Liquid Glass With Updated Design Gallery
Apple is continuing to highlight the Liquid Glass aesthetic that it introduced in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26. The company has shared an updated Liquid Glass Design Gallery that shows off Liquid Glass in third-party apps. The visual gallery features several iPhone and iPad apps, with screenshots that show the difference between app design in iOS 18 and ‌iOS 26‌. In the latest edition of our new design gallery, find out how teams of all sizes are taking advantage of the new design and Liquid Glass to create natural, responsive experiences across Apple platforms. Apps included in the gallery have adopted Liquid Glass for elements like tab bars, navigation buttons, bottom toolbars, and more. Apple also highlights pop-out menu interfaces and the separate search buttons that some apps have implemented, both of which are Liquid Glass design elements that Apple has added to its own apps. AllTrails, Carrot Weather, Fantastical, Kroger, SketchPro, Trello, and Le Monde are among the apps featured. Apple previously shared a Liquid Glass gallery after the ‌iOS 26‌ launch, and that gallery provides more Liquid Glass design examples. Since debuting Liquid Glass, Apple has made small changes like adding a slider bar to the Lock Screen clock for adjusting the Liquid Glass level, but no major updates have been introduced. Rumors suggest that iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 will continue to feature the Liquid Glass aesthetic with little change, but Apple could also add a system-wide slider bar for Liquid Glass opacity adjustments.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS TahoeRelated Forums: iOS 26, macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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10:21 pm
Some iPhone Apps Receive Mysterious Update 'From Apple' | MacRumors
Some iPhone Apps Receive Mysterious Update 'From Apple'
Apple appears to be quietly updating some apps, based on curious new update notes that have appeared on the App Store. Over the last week, some app updates have included notes that suggest the update is coming from Apple rather than an app developer. "This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included," reads the description. Some of the apps that have been updated include Candy Crush Soda Saga, Sentry Mobile, Catan Universe, Bluetti, Mortal Kombat, Duet Display, VLC, and many more. It's not clear what functionality Apple is improving with each app update, if any. One developer on Reddit said that Apple inserted the text into an app update that had the same version number and content as a prior update. The update text is appearing on apps that have not been updated in some time, as well as apps that received recent updates, so it's not clear what the apps have in common. When analyzing the code of one of the apps that received an Apple update, MacRumors could not find what had changed.Tag: App StoreThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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09:28 pm
iPhone Fold Enters Trial Production Phase Ahead of 2026 Launch | MacRumors
iPhone Fold Enters Trial Production Phase Ahead of 2026 Launch
Apple partner Foxconn has started trial production on the iPhone Fold, according to Chinese leaker Instant Digital. Trial production comes before mass production, which Apple plans to start in July as long as no issues come up during the earlier testing stage. So far, Apple remains on track to launch the ‌iPhone Fold‌ in 2026, though the latest rumors suggest that it's not going to come out in September. Instead, it could launch sometime after the iPhone 18 Pro, debuting as late as December. Apple is likely to announce the iPhone 18 Pro models and the ‌iPhone Fold‌ at the same time at its September iPhone event, but the following launch sounds like it will be split. The ‌iPhone Fold‌ will be Apple's first foldable, and it's expected to feature a ~5.5-inch screen size when closed and a larger ~7.8-inch size when open. Apple plans to use a wider 4:3 aspect ratio, so it will be similar in shape to an iPad, with a wider, shorter size than many competing foldable smartphones on the market. Apple plans to make the ‌iPhone Fold‌ as thin as 4.5mm when it's open, and that thin design requires compromises. There won't be a triple-lens camera setup so no Telephoto lens, and Apple also can't use Face ID because the TrueDepth sensor doesn't fit. Rumors suggest the ‌iPhone Fold‌ will have an iPad-style Touch ID side button instead. Apple is supposedly focused on minimizing the crease, and has achieved a design with a nearly invisible fold down the middle when the device is open. For more on what to expect from Apple's first foldable iPhone, we have a dedicated iPhone Fold roundup.Related Roundup: iPhone FoldTag: Foldable iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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08:32 pm
Apple Asks Court to Pause App Store Fee Fight While It Petitions Supreme Court in Epic Games Case | MacRumors
Apple Asks Court to Pause App Store Fee Fight While It Petitions Supreme Court in Epic Games Case
Apple plans to ask the United States Supreme Court to weigh in on the App Store fee restrictions and contempt of court ruling levied against it in the ongoing Epic Games vs. Apple legal battle. In a filing on April 3 (via TechCrunch), Apple asked the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to hold off on a plan that would see the U.S. Northern District of California decide on a reasonable commission for Apple to charge developers for purchases made from a link in an app. Apple is concerned that the district court will decide on a fee, only to have the Supreme Court then reverse the ruling in its entirety. Apple says that it does not want to make multiple major changes to its ‌App Store‌ fee structure. Instead, Apple proposes that the current no-commission setup remain in place until Apple hears back from the Supreme Court. Developers can currently include links to non-App Store purchase options in their apps and Apple charges no fee from purchases made using those links. Apple wants to continue fee-free links and hold off on the long legal battle to determine a fee for the time being. Apple has not petitioned the Supreme Court to hear the case yet, and there is no guarantee that the Supreme Court will do so. Back in 2024, both Apple and Epic Games asked the Supreme Court to make a ruling in their ongoing dispute, but the Supreme Court denied the request. Apple is going to ask the Supreme Court to hear the contempt aspect of the case, and there's a non-zero chance the Supreme Court will agree. Back in April 2025, Apple was found to have violated a 2021 injunction requiring it to let developers direct customers to third-party purchase options on the web with in-app links. The injunction stemmed from the ‌Epic Games‌ legal battle, which Apple won almost entirely. Apple was not found to have a monopoly, but the judge overseeing the case, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, ordered Apple to relax its "anti-steering" link rules. Apple implemented new App Store rules, but only slightly lowered its fees. Apple charged a 12 to 27 percent commission instead of a 15 to 30 percent commission for purchases made via a web link, and the high fee combined with third-party payment fees meant almost no developers opted to add links. ‌Epic Games‌ accused Apple of charging "unjustified fees," and asked the court to decide whether Apple was complying with the injunction. The court found that Apple was in "willful violation," and Gonzalez Rogers banned Apple from collecting any fee on links at all. Apple immediately appealed the ruling, but dropped link fees in April 2025. Apple argued that the ruling was unconstitutional and that it should receive compensation for its technology. In December 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals handed down a mixed ruling, agreeing that Apple violated the injunction, but questioning the severity of the response. The appeals court suggested Apple should be able to charge a reasonable fee, and tasked the district court with deciding what the fee should be. Apple is hoping the Supreme Court will do what the appeals court did not, and vacate the district court's ruling entirely. Apple plans to challenge the contempt ruling and the scope of the injunction, which Apple argues should not extend to all developers nationwide, instead applying only to developers connected to ‌Epic Games‌. Apple is questioning the civil contempt ruling and the court's ruling that Apple violated the "spirit" of the injunction rather than the direct text. Apple says that it should not be held in contempt because the injunction had no specific wording about commissions. It's possible the spirit vs. plain text dispute will catch the Supreme Court's attention. If the appeals court agrees to Apple's plan, the fee calculation hearing in the district court will be put on pause until the Supreme Court makes a decision. After an appeals court ruling, the Supreme Court is the last stop. If the Supreme Court decides not to hear the case, the appeals court ruling will stand and the district court will be able to proceed with deciding on a fee. Should the appeals court not grant Apple's request for a stay, the district court will start the fee calculation process while Apple simultaneously petitions the Supreme Court and waits to hear back.Tags: App Store, Epic Games, Epic Games vs. Apple, Apple LawsuitsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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06:32 pm
Netflix Launches Free Kids Gaming App to Compete With Apple Arcade | MacRumors
Netflix Launches Free Kids Gaming App to Compete With Apple Arcade
Netflix today launched a new Netflix Playground app designed for kids who are eight and under. Playground offers a selection of games with popular characters from shows like Sesame Street and Peppa Pig, with no ads and no in-app purchases. Playground is included in all Netflix memberships, and it is an expansion of the existing gaming options that Netflix offers. Netflix has had games available since 2021, but now there is a dedicated space for games aimed at children. Netflix Playground is a standalone app that users can sign into with a Netflix account, and it is available on the iPhone and iPad. With Netflix Playground, Netflix will compete with Apple Arcade, which is Apple's subscription gaming service. Like Playground, ‌Apple Arcade‌ games have no ads, fees, or in-app purchases, with one monthly fee unlocking all content. Apple has hundreds of titles, and it does not have an all-in-one subscription option with both streaming content and gaming access like Netflix does. Apple does have an Apple One bundle that combines Apple TV, iCloud+, Apple Music, and ‌Apple Arcade‌ for $19.95 per month, but the ad-supported Netflix plan that includes TV shows, movies, and games for adults and children is cheaper at $8.99 per month. Ad-free Netflix is about the same price as ‌Apple One‌ at $19.99 per month. Netflix's children's app launches as multiple countries have introduced stricter app restrictions for minors and age verification requirements for app users. The renewed focus on content that children are exposed to has likely pushed parents to look for simple, kid-friendly content like Netflix is making available. The new Netflix Playground app is available in the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, Philippines, and New Zealand today, and it is launching worldwide on April 28. [Direct Link]Tags: Apple Arcade, NetflixThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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05:30 pm
iOS 26.4.1 Update for iPhones is Coming Soon | MacRumors
iOS 26.4.1 Update for iPhones is Coming Soon
Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.4.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. iOS 26.4.1 should be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, and it will likely be released either this week or next week. Last month, Apple launched the Studio Display XDR, and it promised to release a Medical Imaging Calibrator that enables the monitor to display DICOM medical imaging. 9to5Mac today reported that the feature has received FDA clearance and is launching this week, so perhaps there will be a macOS 26.4.1 update and/or a Studio Display XDR firmware update too. The medical feature will allow radiologists to view diagnostic images in apps like Visage 7 directly on the Studio Display XDR, according to Apple. These updates will come out ahead of iOS 26.5 and macOS 26.5, which are currently in beta.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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04:46 pm
Apple's Impressive Barcelona Store Reopens Next Month | MacRumors
Apple's Impressive Barcelona Store Reopens Next Month
Apple's beautiful Passeig de Gràcia store in the heart of Barcelona, Spain has been temporarily closed for renovations since mid-February, but the location is finally set to reopen next month. The store will resume business on May 26, according to Apple's website. Apple Passeig de Gràcia Apple Passeig de Gràcia first opened in 2012, and it is one of the company's flagship retail locations. The store is on one of the most popular avenues in Barcelona, inside a historic former bank building with a stunning stone facade. Apple has another store in Barcelona at the Westfield La Maquinista shopping mall. Thanks, Filip Chudzinski!Tag: Apple StoreThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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03:53 pm
Apple Sued by Three YouTube Channels | MacRumors
Apple Sued by Three YouTube Channels
Three established YouTube channels have sued Apple, alleging that the company violated the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by unlawfully accessing and scraping millions of copyrighted videos from YouTube to train its AI models. In a class action lawsuit filed in California federal court last week, the owners of the YouTube channels h3h3Productions (plus H3 Podcast and H3 Podcast Highlights), MrShortGame Golf, and Golfholics alleged that Apple "deliberately circumvented" YouTube's protections against video scraping and "profited substantially" by doing so. Apple's research papers indicate that some of the YouTube videos uploaded by the plaintiffs were used to train its AI models, the complaint alleged. Apple's actions were "not only unlawful, but an unconscionable attack on the community of content creators whose content is used to fuel the multi-trillion-dollar generative AI industry without any compensation," the lawsuit adds. The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction and damages individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated in the U.S., per the complaint. In recent months, the same three YouTube channels have filed similar lawsuits against other tech giants, including Meta, Nvidia, ByteDance, and Snap. h3h3Productions is a well-known YouTube channel created by Ethan Klein and Hila Klein, and they later created the H3 Podcast. Their channels have millions of followers, while MrShortGame Golf and Golfholics have hundreds of thousands of followers.Tags: Apple Intelligence, Apple Lawsuits, YouTubeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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02:30 pm
Apple's 2026 MacBook Pro Hits All-Time Low Prices on Amazon With Up to $199 Off | MacRumors
Apple's 2026 MacBook Pro Hits All-Time Low Prices on Amazon With Up to $199 Off
Amazon is offering a few all-time low prices on Apple's M5 Pro/M5 Max MacBook Pro, with up to $199 off select models without the need of a membership or clipping a coupon. These deals join Amazon's discounts on the M5 MacBook Air from over the weekend, which are seeing up to $200 in savings. MacBook Pro Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Starting with the 14-inch models, you can get the 24GB/1TB M5 Pro MacBook Pro for $2,049.99, down from $2,199.00. This deal, along with all of the others we're tracking in this article, represent best-ever prices on the brand new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro. $149 OFF14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB) for $2,049.99 $149 OFF14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/2TB) for $2,449.99 $149 OFF14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/2TB) for $3,449.99 We're also tracking similar steep discounts on the 16-inch models, including a few M5 Max options. These discounts reach up to $199 off original prices, and as of writing we're only tracking these deals on Amazon. $149 OFF16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB) for $2,549.99 $199 OFF16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/2TB) for $3,699.99 $199 OFF16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/2TB) for $4,199.99 MacBook Air Amazon has the 512GB 13-inch M5 MacBook Air for $949.99, down from $1,099.00, and the 24GB/1TB model for $1,349.99, down from $1,499.00. Both of these represent new record low prices for each configuration, and as of writing we're only seeing these deals at Amazon. $149 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $949.99 $149 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,149.99 $149 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,349.99 In terms of the 15-inch models, you'll find up to $149 off the M5 MacBook Air, with multiple color options on sale for each configuration. Prices start at $1,149.99 for the 512GB model, down from $1,299.00, and also include both 1TB models on sale. $149 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,149.99 $149 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,349.99 $149 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,549.99 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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02:12 pm
Mac Mini and Mac Studio Facing Extreme Shipping Delays Amid Severe RAM Shortage | MacRumors
Mac Mini and Mac Studio Facing Extreme Shipping Delays Amid Severe RAM Shortage
Apple's online store in the U.S. is currently showing delivery estimates of up to 4-5 months for many Mac mini and Mac Studio configurations with upgraded amounts of RAM. The delays are occurring amid a severe global memory chip shortage driven by surging demand from companies building AI servers that require large amounts of RAM. For example, a Mac mini with an M4 Pro chip and 64GB of RAM ordered from Apple's online store in the U.S. today is estimated to ship in 16-18 weeks. Even the $599 base model with an M4 chip and 16GB of RAM has a one-month delay. Likewise, a Mac Studio with an M3 Ultra chip and 256GB of RAM is estimated to ship in 4-5 months, with in-store pickup not available until September. Last month, Apple entirely removed the Mac Studio's 512GB of RAM option. Memory chip prices are reportedly starting to stabilize or slightly decrease, but prices still remain well above historical averages, so high-end Mac mini and Mac Studio shipping estimates might not meaningfully improve any time soon.Related Roundups: Mac Studio, Mac miniBuyer's Guide: Mac Studio (Caution), Mac Mini (Caution)Related Forums: Mac Studio, Mac miniThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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01:43 pm
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Gets First Major Discount of 2026 With $99 Off Select Models | MacRumors
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Gets First Major Discount of 2026 With $99 Off Select Models
Amazon today has introduced fresh deals on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, providing $99 discounts on select models. It's been months since we last tracked any discounts on the Ultra 3, and these are solid second-best prices on the 2025 smartwatch. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. You can get the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $699.99 in Natural and Black color options, down from $799.00. There are also a few Milanese Loop models on sale for $799.99, down from $899.00. $99 OFFApple Watch Ultra 3 for $699.99 We've collected all of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 models currently on sale on Amazon in the list below. All of these deals are within $19 of the all-time low price, and they're the best prices we've seen so far in 2026. Black with Black Ocean Band - $699.99 ($99 off) Natural with Anchor Blue Ocean Band - $699.99 ($99 off) Natural with Blue/Bright Blue Trail Loop (M/L) - $699.99 ($99 off) Black with Black Milanese Loop (Large) - $799.99 ($99 off) Black with Black Milanese Loop (Medium) - $799.99 ($99 off) Natural Milanese Loop (Large) - $799.99 ($99 off) If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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01:39 am
NASA Shares Photos Shot on iPhone 17 Pro Max During Artemis II Mission to the Moon | MacRumors
NASA Shares Photos Shot on iPhone 17 Pro Max During Artemis II Mission to the Moon
NASA has shared three incredible photos shot on the iPhone 17 Pro Max by astronauts during the Artemis II mission to the Moon. Shot on iPhone 17 Pro Max In February, NASA announced that the iPhone had been fully qualified for extended use in orbit, with reports indicating that each of the four crew members aboard the Orion are equipped with an iPhone 17 Pro Max for personal photos and videos. The photos show Artemis II's Commander Reid Wiseman and Mission Specialist Christina Koch looking back at Earth through one of the Orion spacecraft's main cabin windows. Flickr data indicates that these photos were shot with the iPhone 17 Pro Max's front camera on April 2, which was the second day of the mission. Shot on iPhone 17 Pro Max All other photos from the mission shared so far were captured with other cameras, such as the Nikon D5, Nikon Z 9, and GoPro HERO4 Black. Shot on Nikon D5 Artemis II is NASA's first crewed mission to the Moon since 1972. The crew is expected to reach the far side of the Moon on Monday, breaking the all-time record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth by humans. However, the Orion is not capable of landing on the Moon and is set to return to Earth on April 10.Related Roundup: iPhone 17 ProTags: NASA, PhotosBuyer's Guide: iPhone 17 Pro (Neutral)Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Sunday April 05
02:27 pm
Amazon Takes Up to $200 Off M5 MacBook Air With New Record Low Prices | MacRumors
Amazon Takes Up to $200 Off M5 MacBook Air With New Record Low Prices
Amazon has introduced a few new record low prices on the M5 MacBook Air this weekend, with up to $200 off these notebooks. We're tracking $149 off the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air and up to $200 off the 15-inch models. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Amazon has the 512GB 13-inch M5 MacBook Air for $949.99, down from $1,099.00, and the 24GB/1TB model for $1,349.99, down from $1,499.00. Both of these represent new record low prices for each configuration, and as of writing we're only seeing these deals at Amazon. $149 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $949.99 $149 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,149.99 $149 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,349.99 In terms of the 15-inch models, you'll find up to $200 off the M5 MacBook Air, with multiple color options on sale for each configuration. Prices start at $1,149.99 for the 512GB model, down from $1,299.00, and also include both 1TB models on sale. $149 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,149.99 $200 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,299.00 $149 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,549.99 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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11:08 am
HomePod Mini Is Now 2,000 Days Old | MacRumors
HomePod Mini Is Now 2,000 Days Old
Apple's HomePod mini today reached a notable milestone, marking 2,000 days since its introduction in October 2020, an unusually long lifespan for an Apple hardware product that has yet to receive a second-generation refresh. Apple unveiled the ‌HomePod mini‌ at its iPhone 12 event on October 13, 2020, positioning it as a smaller and more affordable alternative to the original HomePod. The device launched at just $99, with pre-orders beginning November 6 and availability following on November 16. Unlike the original ‌HomePod‌, which emphasized premium audio at a higher price point, the ‌HomePod mini‌ was designed as a mass-market smart speaker that could be deployed throughout the home at comparatively low cost. Apple described it as delivering "amazing sound" alongside Siri functionality and smart home control, with a compact spherical design that enabled 360-degree audio. The ‌HomePod mini‌ is powered by the Apple S5 chip, the same processor used in the Apple Watch Series 5, and features a single full-range driver, dual passive radiators, and a four-microphone array. It supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ultra Wideband for proximity-based features, and Thread networking, allowing it to function as a smart home hub. Apple expanded the available colors in 2021, adding blue, yellow, and orange options to the original white and space gray finishes, and later replaced space gray with a similar "midnight" variant. Beyond these cosmetic updates, the underlying hardware has remained unchanged, making the ‌HomePod mini‌ one of the longest-running Apple devices without a specification revision. Apple is widely expected to release a second-generation ‌HomePod mini‌ sometime soon, and the most consistent expectation is a move to a newer chip in place of the current S5, which should improve responsiveness, computational audio performance, and headroom for future ‌Siri‌ features. A second-generation Ultra Wideband chip and Apple's N1 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip are also possibilities. The new ‌HomePod mini‌ was reportedly "ready" to launch since late last year. Now, the device is said to be "on hold" until Apple releases its more personalized version of Siri later this year. The revamped assistant is expected to debut in iOS 27, which will be available in beta starting in June and should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in September.Related Roundup: HomePod miniBuyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Saturday April 04
01:40 pm
Get the New Book 'Apple: The First 50 Years' for 31% Off on Amazon | MacRumors
Get the New Book 'Apple: The First 50 Years' for 31% Off on Amazon
Last month, tech columnist David Pogue launched a new book called "Apple: The First 50 Years." On Amazon, you can get the new book for $34.38 in hardcover, down from $50.00, which is a 31 percent discount on the book. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. The book explores the first five decades of Apple's history, including interviews with 150 key people who shaped Apple into what it is today, like Steve Wozniak, John Sculley, Jony Ive, and more. The book launched to coincide with Apple's 50th anniversary, which just happened on April 1, 2026. 31% OFFApple: The First 50 Years for $34.38 Amazon's sale is on the hardcover version of the book, and provides an estimated April 9 delivery date for free delivery. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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01:22 pm
Apple CarPlay Just Got Three Popular iPhone Apps | MacRumors
Apple CarPlay Just Got Three Popular iPhone Apps
Apple's CarPlay system for accessing iPhone apps on a vehicle's dashboard screen received three popular apps this week: ChatGPT, Google Meet, and Audiomack. CarPlay Ultra in an Aston Martin In addition, WhatsApp is beta testing a revamped CarPlay app that will improve upon the basic Siri-based functionality that was previously available. Make sure you have the latest version of each app and they will automatically appear on CarPlay. ChatGPT Starting with iOS 26.4, CarPlay supports voice-based conversational apps. This means that chatbots can extend their iPhone apps to CarPlay for voice-based conversations, and OpenAI's ChatGPT is one of the first options available. With the ChatGPT app on CarPlay, you can have voice conversations with ChatGPT while the app is open, and view the titles of your past conversations. For safety reasons, the app does not show the text or images within conversations. Google Meet Google Meet is now available on CarPlay as well, allowing you to join meetings with a single tap, view your upcoming schedule, and participate in audio calls. For safety reasons, you cannot view video calls on the CarPlay interface. Audiomack Audiomack expanded to CarPlay this week. The 11th-most downloaded app in the App Store's Music category in the U.S. lets you stream and download songs, with a focus on independent artists and especially the Afrobeats and hip-hop genres. Audiomack's CarPlay app has Discover, Charts, Playlists, and My Library tabs, allowing you to listen to your existing songs and discover new ones. Coming Soon: Revamped WhatsApp A revamped WhatsApp app for CarPlay is currently in beta testing. WhatsApp is already available on CarPlay, but the app has limited Siri-based functionality. The revamped app displays lists of recent chats and phone calls, and there is also a tab that displays a list of your favorite contacts.Related Roundup: CarPlayRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
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Plugable’s Dual Monitor Laptop Docking Station offers dual video outputs for enhanced flexibility

Plugable’s Dual Monitor Laptop Docking Station (UD-3900C) is a solid accessory for remote and/or hybrid workers — or more any Mac user who wants to expand a laptop (or even desktop) set-up. It adds two external displays, as well as two USB 3.0 ports, four...

The Velox Magnetic Flush Mount will securely hold your iPhone in place in your car

iOttie’s Velox Magnetic Flush Mount for an iPhone is a compact, low-profile dash mount that blends into a car’s interior without obstructing your view. It’s only US$29.95 and is a good option if you don’t need a charger/mount combo such as the company’s Velox Wireless...

Velox Wireless Dash & Windshield Mount charges your iPhone and (mostly) keeps it securely in place

The US$59.99 Velox Wireless Dash & Windshield Mount from iOttie.com charges my iPhone and allows me to keep in line with the law in my home state of Tennessee. The law makes it illegal to hold your phone while driving in the Volunteer State. Hold a cellphone...

Check out these two apps to help you celebrate Friday the 13th

Today is Friday the 13th. Let’s look at two apps to help you celebrate the infamous day. Friday the 13th from Pocketkai is a free app that calculates all Fridays the 13th for the next 50 years. (Every year has one to three Friday’s that fall on the 13th.) If you like...

Only need to charge two devices? iOttie’s Velox Wireless Duo Stand works well

Personally, I prefer a 3-in-1 wireless charger such as Mophie’s US$89.95 3-in-1 stand for MagSafe Charger. However, if you only need to charge two devices, you may want the Velox Wireless Duo Stand from iOttie.com. It will also save you 20 bucks as it’s only...

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Thursday April 16
02:53 am
BOG (Bogota) on 2026-04-16 | CloudFlare
BOG (Bogota) on 2026-04-16
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 16, 16:30 - 19:00 UTCApr 16, 02:46 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in BOG (Bogota) datacenter on 2026-04-16 between 16:30 and 19:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.
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02:52 am
HKG (Hong Kong) on 2026-04-22 | CloudFlare
HKG (Hong Kong) on 2026-04-22
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 22, 00:00 - 10:00 UTCApr 16, 02:46 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in HKG (Hong Kong) datacenter on 2026-04-22 between 00:00 and 10:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.
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Wednesday April 15
09:53 pm
Scheduled maintenance | Dropbox
Scheduled maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 29, 00:00 - 01:00 UTCApr 15, 21:40 UTCScheduled - Dropbox will be performing routine maintenance on April 28, 2026 starting at 5:00 PM (Pacific). You may not be able to access Dropbox for a short period of time, but we’ll have things back up and running as soon as possible to minimize disruption to you.
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09:52 pm
404 Errors while editing templates | Zapier
404 Errors while editing templates
Status: InvestigatingWe are currently investigating 404 errors while editing zap templates. Our engineering team is actively investigating the root cause and exploring solutions. We'll update this status page as we make progress toward a resolution. If you're experiencing issues or need assistance, please contact our support team at https://zapier.com/app/get-help
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09:15 pm
GoTo Connect VoIP Phones Calls – Intermittent Call Failures (503 Errors) | GoToMeeting
GoTo Connect VoIP Phones Calls – Intermittent Call Failures (503 Errors)
Apr 15, 21:15 UTCIdentified - Our engineers have identified the issue as being caused by an ongoing incident with one of our underlying third-party service providers who are actively working towards a resolution.We will provide another update as soon as they become available.Apr 15, 21:08 UTCInvestigating - We are actively investigating reports that some GoTo Connect VoIP Phones Calls customers may be experiencing intermittent issues completing inbound calls.Our engineers are working to identify the issue and will provide another update shortly.
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09:03 pm
Some Cloudflare one Client users might be experiencing device registration issues | CloudFlare
Some Cloudflare one Client users might be experiencing device registration issues
Apr 15, 21:03 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to investigate this issue.Apr 15, 21:01 UTCInvestigating - Some Cloudflare One Client users might be experiencing issues with their device registration that's causing them to have to re-register. The team is investigating.
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07:14 pm
Network Performance issues – Increased HTTP 5xx Errors | CloudFlare
Network Performance issues – Increased HTTP 5xx Errors
Apr 15, 19:14 UTCUpdate - We are continuing to investigate this issue.Apr 15, 19:13 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating an increased level of HTTP 5xx errors. We are working to analyse and mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.
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05:43 pm
Elevated Error Rate for Durable Objects and R2 Buckets in the APAC region | CloudFlare
Elevated Error Rate for Durable Objects and R2 Buckets in the APAC region
Apr 15, 17:43 UTCMonitoring - A fix has been implemented and we are monitoring the results.Apr 15, 17:33 UTCInvestigating - Customers with R2 data or Durable Objects in APAC may experience high latency or elevated error rates.
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05:30 pm
Network Performance issues – HTTP Errors in San Antonio, Texas(SAT) | CloudFlare
Network Performance issues – HTTP Errors in San Antonio, Texas(SAT)
Apr 15, 17:30 UTCResolved - There were HTTP errors reported in San Antonio, Texas Data Center(SAT)17:37 - 18:02 UTC.This has been mitigated.
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04:57 pm
Service Issue – Cloud Manager and API | Linode
Service Issue – Cloud Manager and API
Apr 15, 16:57 UTCIdentified - Our team has identified the issue affecting the Cloud Manager and API. We are working quickly to implement a fix, and we will provide an update as soon as the solution is in place. During this time, customers may be unable to create new Linodes, make changes to Cloud Firewalls, initiate migrations or resize operations. LKE autoscaling may also be delayed during this time.
Read more »
02:37 pm
Cloudflare Workers API Latency | CloudFlare
Cloudflare Workers API Latency
Apr 15, 14:37 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating an increased latency when interacting with Workers Builds via webhooks from git providers. Customers might experience longer wait times on Workers endpoints, particularly when build a project from a git connection. Workers that are already running in production are not affected. More updates to follow shortly.
Read more »
02:19 pm
Cloudflare Billing Issues | CloudFlare
Cloudflare Billing Issues
Apr 15, 14:19 UTCIdentified - Cloudflare is experiencing problems in processing changes through our billing subscription service for Argo Smart Routing. All other services are operating normally. We will provide an update once billing subscription services return to normal.
Read more »
11:22 am
GoToMyPC – Emergency Maintenance | GoToMeeting
GoToMyPC – Emergency Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 16, 05:30 - 08:00 UTCApr 15, 11:10 UTCScheduled - As part of our commitment to provide exceptional service and reliability to our customers, GoToMyPC team will be conducting service maintenance on the following date and time listed below. Our team will be taking all appropriate actions to minimize service interruptions during this event.Date and Time: April 16th, 2026, 5:30 AM UTC to 8:00 AM UTC Purpose: This maintenance is to ensure and maintain system performance and stability.Duration: All maintenance will be performed within the 2-hour 30-minute maintenance window.What to expect: During the Maintenance, GoToMyPC customers may expect 5 minutes of downtime.We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Read more »
10:23 am
United Kingdom Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – Three | Twilio
United Kingdom Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – Three
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 22, 15:00 - 16:00 PDTApr 15, 02:55 PDTScheduled - Our carrier partner Three United Kingdom is conducting a planned maintenance from 22 April 2026 at 15:00 PDT until 22 April 2026 at 16:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for Three United Kingdom customers.Impacted Products: Verify Silent Network Auth, Lookup SIM Swap, Lookup Identity Match, Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributes
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08:52 am
GoTo Meeting, GoTo Webinar, GoTo Training, GoTo Stage, OpenVoice – Maintenance | GoToMeeting
GoTo Meeting, GoTo Webinar, GoTo Training, GoTo Stage, OpenVoice – Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT May 23, 05:00 - 07:00 UTCApr 15, 08:46 UTCScheduled - As part of our commitment to providing exceptional service and reliability to our customers, GoTo Meeting, GoTo Webinar, GoTo Training, GoTo Stage, OpenVoice and GoTo APIs will conduct service maintenance on the following date and time, as listed below. Our team will take all necessary actions to minimize service interruptions during this event.The maintenance will occur on the date and time listed below.Date and Time: May 23rd, 2026 at 05:00 AM to 07:00 AM UTC.Purpose: This maintenance is to ensure and maintain system performance and stability.Duration: All maintenance will be performed within the 2-hour maintenance window. What to expect: During the activity, GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar, GoToTraining, GoTo APIs, GoToStage, and OpenVoice products will not be available.We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
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Reviews and KoolTools

Plugable’s Dual Monitor Laptop Docking Station offers dual video outputs for enhanced flexibility

The Velox Magnetic Flush Mount will securely hold your iPhone in place in your car

Velox Wireless Dash & Windshield Mount charges your iPhone and (mostly) keeps it securely in place

Check out these two apps to help you celebrate Friday the 13th

Only need to charge two devices? iOttie’s Velox Wireless Duo Stand works well

Community and More

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