This cool project crams classic Mac emulation into a four-inch alarm clock chassis
It was only a matter of time. A YouTuber turned a palm-sized classic Mac styled clock into a working computer. Here's how he did it.This tiny Mac clock mod becomes a working Raspberry Pi MacI'm sure almost everyone reading this is aware of the meme "Can it run Doom?" — the meme that challenges tech-savvy DIYers to get Doom up and running on just about anything. But maybe what we should actually be asking is, "Can it Mac" coupled with playing Doom.YouTube channel This Does Not Compute has taken up the mantle, it seems, and has actually taken a Mac-inspired clock from cute tchotchke to functional computer. The process is documented in a fifteen-minute-long YouTube video that is worth watching. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Why red iPhone 18 Pro would be an exciting first, despite its many red predecessors
How does Apple follow up on the fun of Cosmic Orange from the iPhone 17 Pro line? By bringing back the red iPhone, according to the latest iPhone 18 Pro rumor. Despite making more than a half dozen red iPhone models before, the red iPhone 18 Pro will be a first… more…

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Best VPN for Mac 2026: Trustworthy Mac VPNs tested by experts
Macworld If you want to protect your privacy and security online, using a VPN on your Mac is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take. While macOS includes built-in security features, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This helps prevent tracking, protects your data on public Wi-Fi, and can make it appear as though you’re browsing from another country. Many people also use VPNs to access region-restricted streaming services or bypass location-based website limitations. With so many VPN providers available, choosing the best VPN for Mac can be challenging. To help, we’ve tested and reviewed the top VPN services for macOS, focusing on speed, privacy, ease of use, and value. Our current top recommendation is NordVPN, which delivers excellent performance, strong security features, and reliable unblocking on Mac. Get our top recommendation NordVPN here How we test VPNs We test each VPN service at three times of the day (morning, afternoon, evening) using Ookla Speedtest. We measure our internet speed before testing the upload/download speeds of the VPN service on various servers around the world over a 100Mbps ethernet connection. We also consider the number of countries a VPN offers servers in, the total number of servers worldwide, and the monthly or annual cost to connect. Additionally, because privacy is such a crucial aspect of what makes a good VPN, we research the providers to find out who owns them, their location, how they handle subscriber information, and their business practices. PROMOTIONLifetime VPN $25 + Free Family Password Manager Unlock lifetime online privacy with FastestVPN and get a FREE Family Password Manager. One-time payment, zero monthly fees. Now just $25 — save 93%. Secure every device, forever. Limited-time offer.Use Code foundryexclusive Get The Deal At a glance: Feature comparison VPNBest formacOS App QualityNo-Logs PolicySpeed & PerformanceStreaming SupportSimultaneous ConnectionsFree / TrialNordVPNBest overallExcellent (native, polished)Yes (audited)Very fastVery strong~10 devices30-day refundSurfsharkSpeed & priceVery goodYes (audited)FastStrongUnlimited30-day refundExpressVPNStreamingExcellent (very simple UI)Yes (audited)Very fastExcellent~8 devices30-day refundProton VPNPrivacy & free optionGood (privacy-focused)Yes (audited)GoodModerateVaries by planFree tier availableMullvadAnonymityBasic Yes (audited)GoodPoor5 devicesNoFastestVPNBudgetBasicLimitedDecentGoodVariesTrial / lifetime plansCyberGhostBeginnersVery easy to useYesGoodVery strong~7 devices45-day refundPrivate Internet Access (PIA)CustomisationGood (advanced options)YesGoodModerate~10 devices30-day refundhide.meFree tierGoodYesGoodGood~10 devicesFree tier Best VPNs for Mac: Reviewed & Ranked Below you will find reviews of all the VPN services for Mac that we recommend based on our tests. All of these VPNs will also work on your iPhone and iPad as well, and many with Apple TV, but you might want to check out our separate guide to the best VPNs for iPad and iPhone. 1. NordVPN – Best VPN overall Pros Easy to use Impressive WireGuard speeds Lots of servers Cons Two separate apps can be confusing Price When Reviewed: Basic plan from $3.39 a month for two years. Usually $12.99 a month Best Prices Today: Retailer Price NordVPN (Monthly) $3.39 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 5,300 servers 10 simultaneous connections Why we like NordVPN: Nord offers a great combination of security, speed, streaming and ease of use. It’s also an excellent option if you want robust privacy protections. NordVPN is one of the biggest and best-known VPN services. It’s a fully featured VPN option that’s secure, easy to use, and unbelievably fast compared to its competitors. There are cheaper options, with unlimited connections and more in-depth VPN features, but NordVPN is our top choice right now because it stands out in so many areas, from speed and privacy to unblocking and ease of use. There are more than 5,300 servers (none of which are virtual) available across 60 countries, which sounds great. You probably only care about the servers where you want to unblock content, but the more servers the better as it means you have a better chance of finding one that’s not overloaded. You won’t have to figure out which one to choose thanks to the handy ‘Quick connect’ feature that picks the server best suited to your needs. Connections are fast and reliable, and NordVPN unblocks popular streaming services around the world including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. You can connect up to six devices simultaneously including your Apple TV. Nord has added support for the faster WireGuard protocol in NordLynx, making it one of the fastest VPN services out there. However, it’s only available on the ‘IKE’ version of the app, which only offers a permanently enabled kill switch. To have more control, you’ll need to download the ‘OpenVPN’ version, albeit with slightly slower speeds. Nord has an up-to-date independent audit. It also has specialty servers for specific purposes. Nord frequently has deals on offer that save money on the usual monthly price if you take advantage of the two-year plan. NordVPN offers three tiers: Standard, Plus and Ultimate. You can get Plus features (data breach scanner and password manager) or the Ultimate tier adds cloud storage and insurance options. Prices change all the time, so take a look at the prices and plans at NordVPN.com. Read our full NordVPN review 2. Surfshark – Best VPN for speed & price Pros Simple to use No device limits Great for streaming services Cons Expensive to renew Price When Reviewed: Starter plan from $1.99 a month for two years + 3 free months. Usually $15.45 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark (Monthly) $1.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 3,200 servers in 100 countries Unlimited simultaneous connections Why we like Surfshark: Surfshark is one of the lowest-cost premium VPNs, plus it lets you secure unlimited devices under one subscription making it perfect for families or people with lots of gadgets. Surfshark is a reliable, affordable option with more than 3000 servers spread across 100 countries. Surfshark’s network is one of the widest and most varied of any VPN. Its apps, which work with Macs, iPhones, and even Apple TV, as well as other devices, are easy to use. The macOS app offers light and dark modes, and you can opt to have it shown in the dock or the menu bar. The iOS version of SurfShark offers features like MultiHop and Dedicated IP – it’s not a watered-down versions of their desktop VPN. SurfShark offers three tiers of features at varying price points. SurfShark Starter offers VPN functionality as well as an ad blocker and the option to generate a proxy email address and personal details. SurfShark One adds email and payment detail breach alerts, as well as personal data security reports, antivirus and other malware protection. And the One+ plan adds data removal from company databases and people search sites. When we reviewed Surfshark previously we had some performance issues, but this time around things were a lot better. With WireGuard, SurfShark is the slickest VPN around, removing very little speed from my connection. OpenVPN, where we had problems previously, was much swifter this time around. Whichever protocol we used, we were able to flick between streaming libraries with ease. Those protocols also offer varying degrees of encryption to keep your data secure. The Kill Switch feature is billed as a “safety net”, It’ll shut down your connection if your VPN connection falters, preventing personal data from sneaking out to bad actors. Surfshark is is headquartered in the Netherlands and has a privacy-minded no-logs policy that’s regularly audited. Surfshark’s process means it logs a small amount of data that’s then scrubbed from its servers with 15 minutes of closing the connection. Surfshark confirmed to us in June 2025 that they had their no-logs policy independently verified again and Deloitte confirmed that they don’t monitor what our users do online and do not keep logs of their activities. For even more security, the Antivirus Scan feature (available with Surfshark One and One+) can run scheduled background scans if you leave the app open. Ransomware Shield and Webcam Protection can stop your personal folders and hardware camera from falling into the wrong hands respectively, and the app will constantly look to update its database of viruses to cross-reference files. Sign up to Surfshark here. Read our full Surfshark review 3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for streaming support Pros Simple to use Big focus on privacy and transparency 105 countries Cons Pricing changes offer tiered services at the cost of flexible contract lengths Price When Reviewed: Basic: $3.49 a month for 2 years + 4 free months; Advanced: $4.49 a month for 2 years + 4 free months; Pro: $7.49 a month for 2 years + 4 free months Best Prices Today: Retailer Price ExpressVPN (Monthly) $3.49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 2,000 servers 8 simultaneous connections Why we like ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is fast, easy to use, and reliable, with strong connection speeds and excellent streaming support. It also offers broad device compatibility. ExpressVPN is one of the most straightforward and reliable VPN services on the market, especially for users who want speed, simplicity, and solid privacy without a lot of complexity. The clean, minimal Mac app quickly connects to servers in over 100 countries. There’s no cluttered interface or confusing menus; you pick a server and go. While this simplicity means ExpressVPN doesn’t have some of the advanced built-in tools (like antivirus or extensive malware protection offered by some competitors), it does include the essentials: a large server network, strong encryption, and reliable connection options. There is also browser plugin support and the inclusion of ExpressVPN’s password manager in certain plans. ExpressVPN’s apps are very easy to use across platforms – on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Android and more – making it especially appealing for newcomers and those who just want a “set it and forget it” VPN experience. In testing, ExpressVPN had very respectable performance. We saw around a 13% drop in download speeds – better than many other VPNs. The proprietary Lightway protocol, designed for speed and reliability, was the best choice for overall performance, though other protocols like OpenVPN remain available for compatibility reasons. ExpressVPN is good for streaming: reliably unblocking the major services and offering fast speeds. ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with strong privacy protections, and operates a no-logs policy backed by regular third-party audits. The company also runs a bug bounty program and maintains a Trust Centre dedicated to transparency. In 2025 ExpressVPN introduced a tiered pricing model with Basic, Advanced, and Pro plans, each offering different features and device limits. While still more expensive than some rivals, the tiers give users options depending on their needs, and longer commitments offer better value. The service now supports up to 14 simultaneous connections depending on your pricing tier. ExpressVPN is easy to recommend as a fast, secure, and user-friendly VPN – especially for users who value simplicity and privacy, even if it lacks some advanced extras seen in competing services. See ExpressVPN subscription plans here. Read our full ExpressVPN review 4. ProtonVPN – Best VPN for privacy (+ a free plan) Pros Simple to use Free plan Great speed Cons Setup on macOS was a little fiddly Price When Reviewed: Proton Free; VPN Plus from $2.99 a month for two years. Usually $9.99 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Proton Technologies (Monthly) $2.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 6,500+ servers in 100+ countries (access servers in 5 countries on free plan, on one device) 10 simultaneous connections Why we like ProtonVPN: Proton VPN is one of the most privacy-focused VPNs you can get, perfect for those who value robust, trustworthy privacy protection online. It also offers one of the best free plans. ProtonVPN’s free tier of membership helps to set Proton VPN apart from some of its rivals. It’s naturally limited, with US, Japan, and Netherlands as the server locations and some speed drop – but it’s still pretty usable If you pay for the service it offers a sleek interface, impressive connection speeds and just about enough features to improve your day-to-day web experience without throwing too many complex concepts at new users.  Proton VPN Plus offers a host of features, including an ad and tracker blocker and speed of up to 10 Gbps, as well as a 10-device limit. There’s Port Forwarding for downloads and gaming, too, as well as a Kill Switch for disconnecting should the VPN drop out. Some VPN services offer features like dark web data notifications. Proton VPN sticks to the basics – and does so very well. The company’s “no-logs” policy confirms it doesn’t track sites, IP addresses, communications, or session lengths, nor does it track location-based information. Proton is Swiss-based, and only Swiss court orders can request data from the company, but since it doesn’t log data there’s very little it can offer to law enforcement. For the privacy-minded, Secure Core, routes traffic through one of the company’s ‘Secure’ servers, minimizing the potential of a data leak. These secure servers are owned by Proton and are located in more than 90 countries. Proton VPN does increase latency, but only by about 29% in our testing on a modest 60 Mbps broadband. In fact, it’s only about 7% slower when downloading and 5.5% slower when uploading, making it one of the slicker VPNs we’ve tested. In terms of included VPN protocols, Smart will be ideal for most users, automatically setting the right protocol for your current usage, but WireGuard, WireGuard (TCP), IKEv2 and Stealth are also offered. Proton VPN is an easy recommendation both for new and experienced users. Sign up for Proton’s subscription plans here. Read our full ProtonVPN review 5. Mullvad VPN – Best for anonymity Pros Privacy-focused sign-up Great for getting around geoblocks Great pricing Cons 5 connections is lower than some rivals Price When Reviewed: $5.26 a month (€5) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mullvad $5.26 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 700+ servers 5 connections Why we like Mullvad: Mullvad is one of the most privacy-focused VPNs available, but for those who really want to remain incognito it’s ideal. You don’t need to provide an email address and you can even pay with cryptocurrency to really cover your tracks. Mullvad doesn’t offer recurring plans, you pay €5 a month whether you sign up for a month, a year or longer. The only price change will be dependent on the exchange rate from euros at that time. This way you aren’t caught up in a recurring subscription and Mullvad doesn’t store your personal information – a great example of its privacy-first mindset. You can even buy prepaid cards if you don’t want to log payment information, which makes Mullvad the ideal VPN service for anyone looking to leave a minimal digital footprint. Split Tunnelling, multihop connections and even an AI-focused defence mechanism called DAITA are included. Performance is excellent and there are plenty of features that would be paid additions elsewhere. For example, the Kill Switch to cut traffic if the VPN drops, and a Lockdown Mode that forces the user to reconnect via Mullvad if the connection drops. Multihop will bounce your connection via multiple servers, and split tunnelling is available so you can send some traffic via the VPN and ignore it for others. There is also an ad blocker. It’s available on Mac, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. It’s accessed exclusively from the menu bar on Mac. The iPhone and iPad apps pack plenty of power user features that in some services are limited to desktop, like multihop connections and the DAITA protection. DAITA (Defence against AI-guided Traffic Analysis) will add ‘network noise’ so data packets are all the same size. The main disadvantages are the five device limit, which is lower than many VPNs, and. a lower server count. It has 700, but this is still lower than the likes of NordVPN with over 7,000. Mullvad’s servers are all real, not virtual, servers though. Connection speeds are impressive. Mullvad is a fantastic VPN service that’s about as privacy-minded as can be. It might not have the most servers, but that’s a small price to pay for the service on offer. Sign up to Mullvad here. Read our full Mullvad review 6. FastestVPN – Best budget VPN Pros Great pricing, including lifetime plan Impressive speeds and features Cons Fewer servers than some rivals Price When Reviewed: Lifetime special deal: $30, usually $600 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price FastestVPN (Lifetime payment) $30 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 800+ servers in 49+ countries 10 simultaneous connections Why we like FastestVPN: FastestVPN’s biggest strength is its pricing, especially its unusual lifetime subscription option. It’s great for users who just want affordable basic VPN protection without big monthly costs. FastestVPN packs impressive VPN performance, but that’s only one facet of what makes it worth a look. It’s also relatively cheap compared to many rivals, and has seen a bunch of improvements since we took a look in 2021. The app is sleek and easy to use and offers 10 simultaneous connections. FastestVPN is headquartered in the Cayman islands and has undergone a third-party audit from Altius to confirm its no-logs policy. Since the last time we looked at it it’s gained a number power user features like multi-hop connections. It also now features an Internet Kill Switch to shut down all traffic if your VPN drops for any reason. You can also use Smart Tunneling to ensure certain apps go via a VPN while others don’t. Will FastestVPN help you get around geoblocks? Yes, in fact, FastestVPN highlights certain streaming-focused servers to help get around geoblocking. You’ll find a variety of VPN protocols to choose from, with Wireguard, OpenVPN (TCP and UDP options) and IKEv2 available, and Servers have recently been updated to 10 Gbps options, but despite the name, it’s not the fastest around. However, it’s so affordable that it’s hard not to recommend, with a lifetime price of $40 (normally $600), which we’ve even seen reduced to just $30! FastestVPN does a great job and for a lot less than others. FastestVPN has more than 800 servers, which is a lot – but in context, that’s dramatically less than NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Rivals do offer a larger server count, but the ease of use, and low barrier of entry, make FastestVPN one of our best VPN picks in 2025. FastestVPN is available on Mac as well as Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and plenty more apps. See FastestVPNs plans here. Read our full FastestVPN review 7. Hide.me Pros Free tier Streaming-focused servers included Advanced features Cons Fewer servers than other options Price When Reviewed: From $2.49 per month for two years (+4 months extra) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Hide.Me (Monthly) $2.49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 2,600+ servers in 90 countries 10 simultaneous connections Hide Me is a versatile VPN with a free plan (though limited). It unblocks Netflix libraries globally and keeps data secure. Hide Me is available on various devices, with native apps for Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, and iOS. The Mac app has a main window and a Menu bar icon for quick access. The initial setup is straightforward, focusing on quick app usage. Want to quickly connect to a server? Open it and click the Enable VPN button. It’s great to see 10 simultaneous connections available, so one plan can cover a family’s devices. You can choose where you’re connecting from a list of locations or a list of streaming-friendly options. While it offers advanced features like Split Tunnelling and multi-hop servers, these are easily accessible. Split-tunnelling lets you send traffic via the VPN on a per-app basis, while a Kill Switch can stop all traffic when your VPN connection wavers. Multi-Hop connectivity is included in the price, which means your data bounces between servers, further hiding it and making it harder to trace, though it does slow down connectivity. OpenVPN is supported, as expected, but IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP are also available, so you can easily switch to an alternative protocol if needed. We found sub-10% download speed drops across multiple servers, making it one of the slicker VPNs we’ve tested. Geo-unblocking is great, as Hide Me switches your location to various streaming-friendly servers. Privacy-wise, Hide Me is an ‘Offshore VPN’ with its headquarters in Labuan, Malaysia, giving it anonymity from the Five Eyes intelligence coalition and other countries. The company has a strict no-logs policy, preventing it from keeping any data from users and their sessions.  There’s a free plan with basic features, but it lacks multihop functionality and streaming support. Easy to use, Hide Me is a great service with many features, such as split tunnelling and multihop connections, a device limit of 10 (double some rivals), and excellent streaming support. The only downside is the limited server count.  See full Hide.me pricing here Read our full hide.me VPN review 8. Private Internet Access Pros Lots of servers Fast WireGuard speeds Split tunneling works well Unblocks BBC iPlayer Cons Clunky Mac app Based within 14-eyes Price When Reviewed: From $2.03 a month for two years + 4 free months. Usually $11.99 a month. Unlimited devices. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Private Internet Access (Monthly) $2.03 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 35,000+ servers, 91 countries Unlimited connections Private Internet Access (PIA) is a powerful VPN designed for savvy users, offering “power user” tools and features such as custom DNS, connection rules, split tunnelling, and more at a lower cost than many competitors. The PIA Mac app offers pretty much everything its Microsoft counterpart does.  The app can be used on any device and offers servers in 91 countries. In my testing, the “auto” setting did a good job of picking servers that balanced speed and privacy. The main window provides information on performance graphs, download and upload speeds, and quick settings for tools like Light Mode, Port Forwarding, and LAN connections. While you can use PIA for getting around geoblocked content on your streaming services, PIA is more privacy-focused than other VPNs, with features like the Advanced Kill Switch, Split Tunnelling, port forwarding, and Multi-Hop server obfuscation. PIA also offers customizable features like automation setup and DNS options.  Private Internet Access can’t beat the speeds of NordVPN and Surfshark, and its stablemate CyberGhost VPN offers more impressive speeds, but at the cost of some power features. In our testing, we saw a reasonable drop of around 8% on Mac while using the PIA VPN. Upload speeds dropped considerably– by around 25%, which may be an issue if you do a lot of uploading.  Its zero-log policy has been verified by Deloitte Audit Romania. Despite inconsistent speeds, Private Internet Access is a great VPN for all budgets with a wealth of features for privacy-inclined users. Subscribe to Private Internet Access here. Read our full Private Internet Access review 9. ClearVPN Pros Nice design. Great for getting around geo-blocks. Cons Lacks some features like split tunneling. Not the fastest. Price When Reviewed: Three day trial. Currently $44.99 a year, usually $119.88 a year ($9.99 a month). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (first year, 6 devices) $44.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket More than 50 servers Six device limit MacPaw’s ClearVPN service is a VPN that lacks many more advanced features offered by its rivals, but on the other hand, it’s one of the easiest to use. With a nice UI and easy-to-use features it’s thoughtfully designed for VPN newcomers. It really is as simple as hitting a button to connect. In the settings are options to block ads, keep ClearVPN in the dock, and a Kill Switch so that you can cut traffic from your device if the connection to the VPN is broken. It’s all pretty basic stuff, but it’s offered in such an easy-to-use way that it’s hard not to appreciate the simplicity. There are also handy keyboard shortcuts to move around the app. There are more than 50 servers, which sounds like a lot, but it’s dwarfed rivals who have thousands of servers. That means your choices are limited, but at least ClearVPN lets you filter between Optimal Location or jumping straight to something like Disney Plus US or UK. One of the more common power user features for VPNs is split tunneling, which lets some traffic go through the VPN while some goes around it. That’s not supported here. Sadly, MacPaw’s VPN speeds also need some work. We saw considerable speed drops across multiple servers – even closer ones. We saw drops of around 20 to 30 percent in download speed, and around 50 percent for upload speed. It’s still fast enough to use Netflix, but it’s slower than the majority of alternatives out there. Most VPN companies use external auditors to verify that they’re not recording user or session data, but ClearVPN hasn’t undergone one at the time of writing. This shouldn’t mean anything untoward as the company is headquartered in Ukraine, which falls outside of various surveillance alliances, so it can’t be asked to share your data. ClearVPN is priced affordably, but prices and the deals on offer change all the time with VPNs. Look out for low monthly prices that don’t lock you in for too long. There’s a six-device limit. If you’re new to using a VPN service, ClearVPN makes a compelling case to be your first choice, and stress-free access to Netflix around the globe, it’s a great starter option. Still, the speed drop and lack of common features like split tunneling likely mean power users should look elsewhere. You can save money by paying for the first year up front, but you can also pay monthly. See full ClearVPN pricing here. Read our full ClearVPN review 10. PureVPN Pros Easy to use Works on multiple devices Additional power user features Cons Obtuse pricing model. Caused many websites to question whether we were “human” Price When Reviewed: From $1.49 per month ( + 3 months extra) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price PureVPN (Monthly for first year) $1.49 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 6,500 servers, 78 countries 10 simultaneous connections If you’re looking for a flexible VPN service that will get around geoblocking and is easy to use, PureVPN is well worth a look. The basic plan includes the VPN service and nothing more, but you can add a Password Manager and File Encryption tools in the Plus plan. The Max plan adds a Digital Privacy Manager that requests your records be scrubbed by data brokers, blocks web trackers, and recommends ways to maximize your privacy. Whichever plan you opt for you’ll be able to connect 10 devices at once. PureVPN will run on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, and is easy to use on each to let you connect to over six thousand servers. As far as getting around geo-blocks, we found PureVPN to be as easy as any other service to use. Select a location, load your streaming service or app of choice, and you’re off. PureVPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands, which is more privacy-friendly than Hong Kong where it operated previously. PureVPN offers one of the more impressive no-logging policies, with an ongoing “always-on” audit process whereby an auditor can request confirmation of that policy at any time. PureVPN has been winding down its virtual servers, of which it has less control. There are still 23 such servers, but PureVPN is transparent about which servers are virtual and which are physical – you can see a small ‘v’ next to each virtual server on the PureVPN website. At the time of writing PureVPN is offering more than a whopping 80% off its plans if you sign up for 24 months. Two years is a long time in the world of VPNs, but at least means the full monthly pricing won’t kick in twelve months time. See PureVPN offers here. Read our full PureVPN review 11. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN Pros Kill switch and other advanced features Decent speeds Cons Fewer servers than some rivals Inconsistent geoblocking Price When Reviewed: $39.99 a year for one device Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Malwarebytes (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket More than 245 servers 32 countries Malwarebytes is probably best known for antivirus software and advice (see our review of Malwarebytes Premium for Mac), but it also offers a standalone VPN service called Malwarebytes Privacy VPN. It’s an easy to use app with the right kind of privacy promises – as you’d expect. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is easy to use and offers speeds that are better than many of its rivals for both downloads and uploads. It also has split-tunnelling via its ‘Connection rules’, and a Kill Switch to cut all traffic if the VPN drops out. There are some caveats — namely that it features fewer server locations than its rivals, and getting around geoblocks for different versions of streaming services can be a tad inconsistent. There’s no multi-hop server jumping, but the company does have a verified no-logs policy in place which means information isn’t held about a user’s activity. See full Maywarebytes pricing here Read our full Malwarebytes Privacy VPN review 12. CyberGhost Pros Simple to use Decent speeds Plenty of servers Cons Two-year plans are much cheaper Lacking some power user features Price When Reviewed: $2.02 a month for two years + 4 free months. Usually $12.99 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price CyberGhost (Monthly) $2.03 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 11,000+ servers in 100 countries 7 simultaneous connections CyberGhost is a user-friendly app that connects to numerous servers worldwide, making it ideal for streaming Netflix from different countries and routing traffic away from untrustworthy open Wi-Fi networks.  It offers core features like kill switch support, split tunnelling, and no bandwidth restrictions. CyberGhost’s no-logging audit history is thorough, and there is a 45-day free trial available. CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for various platforms, including Chrome extension and game consoles (we tested on Mac and iPhone). The app offers a simple “click and go” connection process, with a list of server nations and multiple locations. Encryption is standard across servers, and split tunnelling prioritizes traffic where needed. An automated kill switch can cut connections if the VPN drops out, while ‘Block content’ blocks DNS domains for ads, trackers, and malware. The app does not offer anything like Proton VPN’s Secure Core or additional features like a Password Manager, but subscription tiers are based on adding a dedicated IP address. The VPN has over 9,000 servers located in over 100 countries, with plans to expand in South America and Asia in late 2023. CyberGhost VPN has an impressive no-logs policy, meaning no one can access records of your activity while connected to the VPN. The app does not offer the Dark Web monitor offered by NordVPN, but it does have an automated kill switch to cut connections if the VPN drops out. The DNS blocking feature is easy to use but doesn’t allow you to choose what to block. CyberGhost offers a compelling package with just one main plan and a 45-day money-back guarantee. It’s an excellent VPN for newcomers, with impressive audits, an array of servers, decent speeds, and easy-to-use apps. See CyberGhost pricing here. Read our full CyberGhost review 13. Norton Ultra VPN Pros Antivirus protections Cloud Backup and Password Manager Email tracking quarantine Cons Slower than rival VPNs Inflexible payment options Price When Reviewed: First year is from $39.99 Norton Secure VPN; $49.99 Norton Ultra VPN; $59.99 Norton Ultra VPN Plus. Renews at a higher price of $79.99/$109.99/$129.99. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton (first year) $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Servers in 32 countries Norton has decades of experience protecting devices from cyber threats (read our review of Norton 360), but what or its VPN? Norton’s VPN plans are, outside of the basic tier, tied into its security software. It also comes with a password manager, dark web monitor, and cloud storage, but the VPN side of things is a little lacking. Perhaps it’s from testing so many of the best VPN services that we’ve grown used to a certain set of non-negotiables. Chief among them is browser extension options to allow for quick switching, but at the time of writing, there’s no such offering from Norton. Norton’s VPN does include plenty of accoutrements that other VPNs either don’t have or charge extra for. You can install the app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and all three platforms have apps that work well and run nicely in the background. Norton offers Browser Protection, which scans sites as you browse. Norton also scans files before they land on your device. This worked well in testing, with barely added any additional time to the length of downloads. There’s a password manager, but it’s tied to the middle subscription tier and above. VPNs naturally decrease your internet speeds as your signal is fired across the globe, and Norton has servers in 32 countries – a steep drop from the 111 in NordVPN’s portfolio – but it does offer four protocols to choose from. IKEv2, OpenVPN and WireGuard are pretty commonly found across the board of rivals, but Norton has its own Mimic protocol which is intended to be ideal for unblocking international streaming services. Sadly, testing on a 70 Mbps connection saw a consistent speed drop-off. As for Mimic, Norton’s own VPN protocol, I was disappointed to find some international streaming services simply weren’t able to be unblocked with it. Norton clarified that Mimic is specifically designed for customers with special use cases who are unable to use WireGuard. We did have more luck with the more standardized protocols. VPNs worth their salt should always focus on privacy as their primary concern, and Norton does a good job, having undergone an audit from VerSprite, a security firm. It’s not a bad VPN, and if you’re looking for an option that packs a whole host of cyber-security tools into one easy-to-use package, it’s a great option. It’s disappointing that there is only a pay yearly option, where other VPNs have the option to pay monthly. Added to that is a steep jump in price for the second year.  See full Norton Ultra VPN pricing here Read our full Norton Ultra VPN review 14. VyprVPN Pros Fast WireGuard speeds Very easy to use Unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer Low starting price Cons Comparatively few servers Not clear which servers are virtual Patchy support experience Price When Reviewed: From $3 a month for two years. Usually $10 a month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price VyprVPN (Monthly) $3 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket 70 servers 5 simultaneous connection VyprVPN offers everything most people are looking for in a VPN, without needing to spend much money. You get fast WireGuard speeds, alongside separate protocols focused on reliability, anti-censorship and ease of use. It’s also excellent at unblocking geo-restricted content, whether that’s local versions of Netflix or BBC iPlayer & ITV Hub from outside the UK. Premium features such as split tunneling and a kill switch are here too, even if the latter can’t be customised.  VyprVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the service adheres to a strict Privacy Policy from parent company Golden Frog. More than 700 servers in over 70 countries should be plenty for most people, although there’s often only one per country. It’s also not clear which of these are physical and virtual. Nonetheless, it’s still speedy, reliable and affordable. See full VyprVPN pricing here Read our full VyprVPN review How we test VPNs For each VPN service we review, we conduct tests at three different times of the day: morning, afternoon, and evening, using Ookla Speedtest. We start by measuring the speed of our unprotected internet connection before testing the upload/download speeds of the VPN service. These tests are conducted to servers located in North America, the UK, Europe, Oceana, and Asia over an ethernet connection with a service provision of 100Mbps. To test upload and download speeds, we close down all background internet processes on the Mac, using TripMode. The only traffic on the system able to upload or download any data is Ookla. We use this setup to ensure that the numbers that Ookla produced were not stymied by anything else that the computer may have been doing at the time. The speeds Ookla captured were then averaged, providing us with a final numeric score. We then use those scores to calculate a percentage of difference in speeds, which is what you’ll see in our reviews. Since internet speeds change constantly based on server load, how fast your connection is, and a gazillion other factors, we feel this provides a better picture of what you can expect from a service, on the whole, than merely quoting the exact upload/download speeds we encountered during testing. Speed isn’t the only quantifiable metric that we look at. The number of countries that a VPN offers servers in, total number of servers worldwide, and how much it’ll cost you to connect to those servers on a monthly or annual basis are also taken into consideration when recommending a VPN service to you. Additionally, we conduct hours of research into the VPN providers to find out who owns them, where they’re based, what they do with subscriber information, and whether the provider has a track record of questionable business practices. Why you can trust Macworld’s advice The team at Macworld has been testing Mac hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. We put every product through its paces using rigorous benchmarking and hands-on evaluation. We’d never recommend something we wouldn’t use ourselves. We conduct through testing of VPNs, focusing on the practicalities of device compatibility (iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, and Mac), the number of devices supported, geo-restrictions and ease of use. We also pay attention to security – and validate the privacy promises made by each VPN company. We use the software ourselves so our reviews are based on our own experience with the software and include our own insights and unbiassed opinions. Macworld’s VPN specialist Lloyd Coombes has made it his aim to assess every VPN going. What to look for in a VPN A clear privacy policy. A good VPN should offer an easy-to-understand privacy policy that outlines what, if any, information the company collects from its users. It’s important that this policy details what they do with this information. Some VPN providers, especially those that offer their services for free, sell their user information to advertisers and other interested parties, just like an ISP does. Choose a provider that offers a level of privacy that suits you. Know where the provider is based. Many countries have no laws demanding that VPN providers maintain logs of their users’ activity. This makes maintaining your privacy more assurable than it would be if you use a VPN located in a country that requires that user-activity records be maintained. Some companies, in an effort to make their network of servers look bigger or more varied than it actually is, spoof the locations of their servers. The more servers, the merrier. Choosing a VPN provider with a ton of servers around the world is important for a couple of reasons. First, having a multitude of servers to choose from means that you won’t be forced to connect to an overpopulated server where the data flows like mud. Second, having a wealth of servers to choose from both at home and internationally means more opportunities for spoofing your location, allowing you to hide where you are or access region-locked content with ease. Multiple payment options. It’s a vicious circle. Paying for a VPN with a credit card online before you have access to a VPN could allow your financial information to fall into the wrong hands. Look for providers that offer alternative payment options such as PayPal, Bitcoin, AliPay, or via the Mac App Store. An easy-to-use interface. It takes a lot of digital wizardry to connect to a VPN. Some people want to see how their VPN operates, behind the scenes. Using an open source VPN client like Tunnelblick is great for this. Most folks, however, just want their VPN to work with minimal frustration. Look for a VPN service that offers a Mac client with an easy-to-use interface. Protection for all of your devices. A good VPN service will offer licenses for multiple devices to protect your loved ones’ computers as well as your personal smartphone and tablet. To this end, before investing in a VPN subscription, make sure that it provides software clients for all of the devices you own. What to avoid when choosing a VPN The price of a VPN might look attractive, but the price can rise over time. Most VPNs will cost less than $3/£3 per month if you sign up for a one- or two-year deal. However, once the deal period ends the price often jumps significantly. By the time your deal is up you may not notice the extra cash leaving your bank account so our advice is to set a reminder to shop around a month before your subscription runs out so you can search for a better deal. Best Free VPNs for Mac You may be able to save money if you take a look at our round-up of VPN deals. But, if you were hoping to spend nothing, there are also a number of free VPNs available, just beware that some severely restrict which servers (and therefore countries) you can connect to and the amount of data you can download through those servers. Our recommendation is ProtonVPN, which has a free tier that may be sufficient for your needs. It’s important to read the terms and conditions before using a free VPN, as in rare cases they sell your data to third parties to offset the cost of you using it without paying. It’s a bigger problem on iPhones and Android where unscrupulous companies try to cash in on the VPN ‘gold rush’ and offer up poorly put together apps. Stick with our recommendations and you’ll be safe from these, though. FAQ 1. Do Macs have a built-in VPN? There is a big question. Do Mac users even need a VPN? Since Apple introduced iOS 15 and macOS Monterey in 2021 the company has offered a handy private relay service. iCloud Private Relay acts a bit like a VPN because it encrypts your web-browsing traffic and sends it through a relay to hide your location, IP, and any information about what you were browsing. iCloud Private Relay solves part of the problem that Mac users have used VPNs for in the past–it means that companies cannot build a clear picture of you on the web, thereby protecting your privacy. iCloud Private Relay has some disadvantages: it only works when you are using Safari, you have to be a subscriber to iCloud, and you can’t use it to pretend to be surfing from another country in order to access content that is locked to a particular region. Read more here: iCloud+ Private Relay explained. If you are a subscriber to iCloud, and only use Safari, then iCloud Private Relay will provide you with some anonymity when you are surfing the web. You may therefore be thinking that this means you don’t need a VPN to hide your location and identity. However, iCloud Private Relay does not allow you to choose an IP address or a region, and you won’t be able to make it look like you’re coming from another location. So you can’t watch geographically locked Netflix content, for example. 2. What is a VPN? VPN stands for virtual private network. If you’re not using a VPN, when your computer connects to the internet, it does so through the local gateway provided by your internet service provider (ISP). Doing this allows you to connect to all of the online services you use everyday. However, connecting this way also allows an ISP to know your physical location based on where you access the internet—be it at home, at work, in a cafe, or at a public Wi-Fi hotspot. This information is often sold to marketers and other parties interested in getting to know more about you and your browsing habits. Worse still, if you connect to the internet through an access point with weak security, such as at an airport, mall, or local library, hackers connected to the same network could intercept personal information like your social media passwords or banking credentials through what’s called a man-in-the-middle attack. A VPN service can help prevent all of that. A VPN creates an encrypted digital tunnel between your computer and the server of the VPN service you choose to use. Once this tunnel has been established, your web searches, the sites you access, and the information you submit online will be hidden from prying eyes. This means that your ISP can’t log or sell your information and hackers using the same network as you will find it difficult to initiate an attack on you. Almost no one will have any idea of what information you’re accessing. For our recommendations of Mac Antivirus Software that we have tested see: Best Antivirus for Mac 2024: Top Security Software Compared. VPN apps are very easy to install and use but for a step-by-step guide, read how to set up a VPN on a Mac. 3. What a VPN can’t do A VPN can’t protect you from viruses, malware, or ransomware attacks if you choose to download an infected file, or a visit site designed to inject your computer with malignant code. It won’t keep spoofed sites from stealing your personal information, if you happen to visit one. So, you’ll want to bone up on online security best practices. You should know that while using a VPN will allow you to anonymously engage in peer-to-peer file-sharing/torrenting, some service providers may cancel your VPN subscription or turn over your information to the authorities if they catch you trading copyrighted material with others. 4. Should you use a VPN? Is it legal? While accessing locked content is a bit of a gray area, due to licensing agreements, we don’t blame anyone who is desperate to watch the latest season of their favorite program when it airs in the U.S. rather than waiting for it to come to their country. Paying to watch a streaming service that’s not available in your country has to be less morally wrong than actual piracy! For more information on the legalities and whether it is safe to use a VPN read: Is a VPN safe for Mac? 5. What is the difference between a VPN and a Proxy? VPNs and proxies can both mask your IP address and bypass geo-restrictions, but they differ significantly in their scope, security features, and the level of privacy provided. For example, VPNs offer encryption between your device and the VPN server, while a proxy server is likely to forward unencrypted data. VPNs also offer a broader range of security and privacy benefits beyond just IP masking. VPNs will function on the operating system level while proxies only conceal your IP address for certain applications, such as a web browser. 6. Are VPNs safe to use Reputable providers of VPNs that prioritize user privacy through features like no-log policies and strong encryption. Users should exercise caution with unknown free VPNs, as some may compromise data security 7. Can a VPN help me access Netflix and other streaming services? VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) can be a valuable tool for accessing Netflix and other streaming services that are geographically restricted, enabling access to content libraries that would otherwise be unavailable. However, streaming services are constantly working to detect and block VPN usage. 8. Will a VPN slow down my internet Because a VPN encrypts data and routes it through external servers, there can be a degree of internet speed reduction. The extent of this will depend on your location, your internet speed, and the choice of VPN server. 9. Should I use a free VPN Free is appealing, but it is important to exercise caution. Some free VPNs have security vulnerabilities and even contain malware. They may also capture your activities. Other disadvantages include data caps, less encryption, and fewer servers on offer. We do recommend Proton VPN because it’s free-tier combines with a strong privacy track record. 10. Can a VPN really hide my address? VPNs are effective in obscuring a user’s location and online activities from various entities, but they do not offer absolute anonymity. While it’s not possible to completely hide your digital presence, a VPN provider with a strict “no-logs” policy will at least mean your traffic or online activity is not recorded.

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March 4 Apple Experience & more with guest Brian Tong on the HomeKit Insider podcast
On this week's episode with guest Brian Tong, we discuss the upcoming evolution of the HomeKit Insider podcast, and what we expect to see on Apple's March 4 special experience.HomeKit Insider PodcastThis week's guest host is once more Brian Tong. Brian is a content creator who has been covering the tech space for years, including securing high-profile interviews with Apple executives and co-hosting CES.Kicking off this episode, your host talks about the future of the podcast. This will officially be the last episode ofHomeKit Insider. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple’s three-day product blitz: New launches expected March 2-4
Apple is gearing up for a three-day rollout of new product unveilings, with announcements scheduled for March 2-4… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iOS 26.3.1 update in testing as new Apple releases loom
Macworld Apple released iOS 26.3 about two weeks ago, but the company is preparing another iOS update, this time without a beta cycle. MacRumors initially reported that Apple has an iOS 26.3.1 update in the works, and we here at Macworld also noticed that this website has been visited by devices running iOS 26.3.1. Website logs are a fairly reliable indicator of upcoming updates. Apple’s visit to sites outside the company’s intranet indicates that the 26.3.1 update is imminent. Such point-release updates at Apple do not require developer and public beta testing, and they are completed much more quickly, probably within the next week or two. The timing also fits perfectly with the announced Apple Experience on March 4, where Apple is expected to unveil several new products, including the iPhone 17e and a cheaper MacBook. Since Apple generally updates all of its devices at the same time, we expect macOS and iPadOS are in development as well. The new OS versions could be in preparation for the new devices. With a point-release update such as iOS 26.3.1, Apple does not release any new features. Such updates are used to fix bugs, install security patches, and, in some instances, add support for newly released devices.

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How pre-release iOS builds are used and secured at iPhone assembly plants
While iOS features often leak ahead of their official launch, information about them rarely comes from hardware assembly plants — here's why.VendorUI variant of iOS 26.2 running on a DVT-stage iPhone 16 Pro Max. Screenshot Credit: The Apple wiki.Apple is no stranger to software leaks. Practically every year, before the iPhone maker releases new versions of its operating systems, we see reports claiming to have details about all the unannounced features and design changes.Though some features end up changing mid-development, and other rumors were never based in truth to begin with, many leaked capabilities end up making it to the release variant of iOS. That begs the question, where does the accurate information come from? Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV celebrates season two premiere of hit drama ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’
On Thursday, February 19, Apple TV celebrated the highly anticipated second season of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” with a star-studded red… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Deals: 512GB iPhone 16 Pro $480 off, 17 Pro TechWoven cases, Alpine Loop 30% off, iPad Pro, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break features a new Amazon all-time low on Apple’s top-end 11-inch M5 iPad Pro at $200 off, but we also spotted a chance to land the 512GB iPhone 16 Pro at $480 off the original list price (or $200 less than the Apple refurb store). And joining the ongoing $100 price drop on the 46mm Jet Black Apple Watch Series 11, from there we move over to some notable accessory offers – the best price in months on iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven cases, the official Light Blue Alpine Loop with Black Titanium finish at 30% off. and the lowest price yet on the Apple Crossbody Strap from just over $23. Just be sure to scope out this Anker Nano Travel Adapter down at $20 and everything else down below as well.  more…

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Save a bundle on Apple’s 6-foot 240W USB-C cable
Macworld Super-fast charging cables can be quite pricey, especially when they’re over 3 feet long. For example, Apple’s 2m 240W USB-C Charge Cable normally carries a $29 MSRP, but thanks to today’s sale, you can get one for $17 after a 25 percent discount and by applying the promo code APPLEFIVE at checkout for an extra $5 off. This 2-meter cable (6.5-feet) features a woven design, so it’s going to be a lot more durable than a regular model. Not only is it more durable, but it’s also going to be less likely to tangle. The best part about this USB-C-to-USB-C cable is that it supports 240W charging, which is more than capable of fast-charging anything you own, including the 16-inch MacBook Pro. The cable can also be used to sync devices or transfer data between gadgets, which can be super helpful. The extended length also makes this cable ideal for charging things in your office, allowing you to not stay tethered to the outlet. Woot also has packs of multiple cables if you’d rather go for one of those. A two-pack is available for $40 ($35 with APPLEFIVE), while a three-pack is down to $57 ($52 with APPLEFIVE), with all deals bringing the price to around $17 for each cable. The APPLEFIVE discount code is only valid today (February 23). Grab this Apple 240W USB-C cable for $17 at Woot before the deal expires. Woot deals are only available until stock runs out or until the deal expires. Since this is an Amazon company, your Prime perks will still work here. Buy now at Woot

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Apple's M4 MacBook Air dips to $849 during Amazon's month-end sale
Numerous M4 MacBook Air models are eligible for a $150 discount during Amazon's month-end Apple sale.Get an M4 MacBook Air for $849 during Amazon's month-end sale - Image credit: AppleThe $150 discount at Amazon brings the standard M4 MacBook Air 13-inch down to $849.99 in the timeless Silver finish.Buy M4 MacBook Air for $849.99 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV unveils first look at season two of ‘Wonder Pets: In the City,’ premiering March 20th
Apple TV on Monday shared a sneak peek at season two of “Wonder Pets: In the City,” the colorful series that follows Izzy the Guinea Pig… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Visual Intelligence expected to define Apple’s push into AI wearables
Apple CEO Cook has been dropping hints about a potential third major product category: AI-powered wearables centered on Visual Intelligence… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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How Apple Visual Intelligence could change everything
With all the hints Tim Cooks drops, you might wonder how Apple Visual Intelligence could change everything -- including human perception. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple TV sets new drama series ‘Unconditional’ to premiere May 8th
Apple TV on Monday announced it has landed Keshet 12’s new drama series “Unconditional,” from co-creators Adam Bizanski… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple TV sets world record with Godzilla, Kong drone marketing spectacle
Apple TV’s sci-fi epic Monarch: Legacy of Monsters premieres this week, and in a major marketing spectacle, the streamer crafted a drone event involving Godzilla, Kong, and more. more…

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New MacBook Pro coming soon? M5 Pro & M5 Max rumors, specs and pricing explained
Macworld Apple launched the M5 MacBook Pro in October 2025, but many are still waiting for the company to launch the superior M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of the MacBook Pro. The good news is we may not have to wait for much longer, with the new MacBook Pro possibly launching on, or before, March 4. This article will keep track of rumors about the M5 Pro and M5 Max, when they might launch, what specs and features can be expected, and will offer perspective based on Apple’s Mac lineup. Here’s everything we know so far. We’ll also address the question: Would power users be wise to wait a little longer for the much bigger changes rumored to be just around the corner? The M6 generation of the MacBook Pro could offer a touch screen and more, according to reports. At a glance: Current MacBook Pro compared to M5 Pro and M5 Max rumors FeatureM4 Pro / M4 Max (Current)M5 Pro / M5 Max M6 rumours…ReleaseOctober 2024 (current models)Around March 4, 2026Late 2026/2027DesignSame as 2021 modelExpected to retain existing designRedesign DisplayMini-LED, up to 1,600 nits peakSame Mini-LEDOLED display, touchscreen CPU CoresM4 Pro: 12–14 cores M4 Max: 14–16 coresRumoured similar/core counts but with architectural improvements including modular CPU/GPU blocks GPU CoresM4 Pro: 16–20 M4 Max: 32–40Improved performance boost over M4 series Chip ArchitectureTSMC enhanced 3 nm (M4 Pro/Max) Enhanced M5 generation; chips.  May separate CPU/GPU tiles for efficiency.PerformanceStrong pro performanceRumoured 25–30% performance uplift compared to M4 generation for Pro/Max chipsAI / NeuralM4 features a 16-core Neural Engine Enhanced AI throughput rumouredMemory & BandwidthM4 Max supports up to 128GB unified memory with up to 546GBps bandwidthWill maintain high bandwidth and configurations for professional usePorts & ConnectivityThunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 6E (current models) Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thunderbolt 5Camera12 MP FaceTime camera No significant camera upgrades expectedHole-punch webcam, rather than notch New M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: Performance expectations Foundry The Pro and Max variants of Apple’s chips are aimed at professionals whose workflows require sustained high performance that exceeds the capabilities of the standard M5 chips. These higher-end variants push the boundaries of Apple Silicon by scaling up core counts and memory interfaces and offer a more advanced architecture with greater flexibility for CPU, GPU, and memory configurations. These models also include additional ports, like Thunderbolt 5, that aren’t yet supported at the entry-level. While the standard M5 MacBook Pro that debuted in October 2025 was little more than a chip refresh to the consumer-targeted version of the machine, the upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to deliver significant performance leaps to the MacBook Pro, particularly in graphics and artificial intelligence. Reports indicate that we can expect a typical performance boost from one chip generation to another – between 15 and 25 percent over the equivalent M4 chips. However, based on the performance gains observed in the base M5 chip – which saw a 13% increase in single-core and a 22% increase in multi-core performance over the M4 – projections for the M5 Pro and Max are optimistic. The M5 Max is expected to be a “AI monster,” potentially cracking the 250,000-point mark in Geekbench 6 GPU compute tests, a feat previously only approached by the M3 Ultra with double the GPU cores. M5 Pro and M5 Max chips: Rumored features and specifications New chip design for the M5 Pro and M5 Max could feature the CPU and GPU on separate blocks. The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to be substantial upgrades over the M4 Pro and M4 Max. Current reports suggest Apple may maintain similar core counts to the M4 generation while focusing on architectural efficiency improvements and higher clock speeds. Although exact specifications have not been confirmed, both chips are expected to scale well beyond the base M5’s 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration. More notably, the M5 Pro and M5 Max are rumored to introduce a major architectural shift aimed at improving AI and parallel processing performance. In October 2025, MaxTech’s Vadim Yuryev reported that Apple is developing a redesigned chip layout that separates the CPU and GPU into distinct blocks. This modular approach could enable more flexible CPU and GPU configurations — for example, pairing a base CPU configuration with a fully enabled GPU. Yuryev suggested that this architectural overhaul is the reason the M5 Pro and M5 Max may be delayed until 2026. The high-end models are also rumored to use TSMC’s “SoIC-MH” packaging technology, which allows vertical stacking of semiconductor components. This approach is expected to improve thermal efficiency and performance compared to the standard 3nm process used in the base M5. These chips are expected to debut in 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with dual-fan cooling systems, offering better sustained performance under heavy workloads compared to the single-fan base M5 configuration. At a glance: Process Technology: Built on TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process (N3P), delivering roughly 10% better efficiency and 5% higher performance compared to the M4 series. Memory Bandwidth & Capacity: Expected to deliver nearly a 30% increase in memory bandwidth (around 153 GB/s on the base M5), with the Pro and Max scaling even further for higher throughput. M5 Pro: At least 48GB RAM M5 Max: Up to 128GB+ RAM. The Max variant is also expected to remain the only option supporting up to 8TB of storage. GPU Capabilities & AI Performance: Expected improvements include: Third-generation hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Second-generation dynamic caching. A rumored “Neural Accelerator” in each GPU core (separate from the standard Neural Engine). Together, these upgrades could enable up to a 4x increase in GPU-based AI workload performance, with the Pro and Max variants further scaling graphics and AI capabilities for demanding professional applications. Connectivity: Confirmed support for Thunderbolt 5, offering up to 120Gbps for video and 80Gbps for data transfer. Architecture and Design: Reports suggest higher-end models will separate CPU and GPU blocks, enabling more flexible configurations (e.g., base CPU paired with a max-tier GPU). The architecture is expected to share core design elements with the A19 Pro, improving scalability for professional and AI-heavy workloads. New M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: Specs N1 chip: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Thunderbolt 5. With the launch of the M4 MacBook Pro, Apple made a series of upgrades that replaced outdated components, including upping the base RAM to 16GB, bringing Thunderbolt 5 to the M4 Pro and Max models, and offering a Nano-texture glass option. The M5 MacBook Pro saw no changes to the specs other than the processor. The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi remained the same. A new 4TB SSD option was added, but in the U.K. and Europe, Apple has removed the Power Adapter from the box. However, more is expected for the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and Max: Apple may integrate the N1 chip, as used in the iPhone 17, which will bring Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, as well as improve features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. Apple The entry-level model still only offers Thunderbolt 4, but the Max and Pro will continue to offer Thunderbolt 5. There are reports that Apple is working on a 5G modem for the Mac, but it’s unlikely to arrive before 2026. New M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: Camera No change expected. The M4 MacBook Pro added a 12MP FaceTime camera, a decent upgrade from the 1080p FaceTime camera. The M5 Macook Pro maintains this camera, so it is unlikely the Pro and Max models will gain anything. However, we could see a similar FaceTime camera update to 18MP as seen on the iPhone 17. The square sensor is less relevant here as the MacBook Pro will only ever be in one orientation, although it could allow for more of the area around a person to be visible. More changes are rumored for the camera in the M6 generation: reports suggest that in the future we may see a hole-punch webcam instead of a notch. Petter Ahrnstedt New M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: Design rumors No change to the design expected. Apple last updated the design of the MacBook Pro in 2021. There was no change to the MacBook Pro’s design when Apple introduced the M5 model. Apple will likely stick with the current design for the M5 Pro and Max models. It’s always possible that a new color makes an appearance—like Space Black in 2023—but for the most part, the MacBook Pro design is set for at least another year. There have been suggestions that an overhaul of the MacBook design could mark the 20th anniversary of the MacBook Pro (the MacBook Pro launched in January 2006 replacing the PowerBook). However, the rumors aren’t pointing to an early 2026 redesign. Instead, the bigger changes are expected for the M6 generation. In July 2025, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the M5 MacBook Pro series would be the last of the current design. Apple appears to be saving the next major design upgrade for the M6 MacBook Pro for 2026. The M6 upgrade is said to include OLED screens, a camera “hole” to replace the notch, and a thinner design. New M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: Display rumors No changes to the display expected. Big changes are said to be coming to the M6 MacBook Pro. Foundry There is no change to the display on the M5 MacBook Pro, so it’s unlikely that the M5 Max and M5 Pro models will get any screen updates. Although we could see a higher nits brightness rating, up from the current 1,600 nits peak. As for display support, the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will continue to differentiate themselves from the base M5 through superior expansion and display support. While the standard M5 is limited to two external displays, the M5 Pro is expected to support at least two 6K displays, and the M5 Max will likely support up to four external displays More changes to the display could be in the pipeline, but not for this generation. Back on February 11, 2025, The Elec reported that OLED displays for the MacBook Pro were going into production, but these weren’t expected to feature in the laptop until 2026. Unfortunately, the big display changes seem set to arrive with a subsequent generation of MacBook Pro, with rumors, again, pointing to Apple introducing OLED screens for the M6 generation of MacBook Pro. There could be something even more exciting coming with the M6 generation: a touchscreen! Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple is going to launch a MacBook with a touch screen, and it could arrive on a MacBook Pro as soon as 2026. However, this update is not expected to arrive until the M6 generation and could be delayed until 2027. Apple could be saving any drastic changes to the MacBook Pro for 2026.Foundry New M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: Release date Launch by March 4, 2026 Apple is expected to release the updated MacBook Pro models featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the spring of 2026. Apple has confirmed it will hold a series of global “experiences” on March 4, 2026, in New York, London, and Shanghai. Unlike a traditional keynote event, these coordinated sessions are expected to be extended hands-on experiences for the press to interact with new hardware, and the M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro is likely to be one of the new products being demoed at that “experience”. Specific details regarding the launch include: Experience day: Apple has invited some press to “experiences” on March 4, in London, New York and Shanghai. Production status: Reports from early 2025 indicated that fabrication facilities for these “high-end M5 models” were already being prepared, utilizing TSMC’s advanced SoIC-MH process for improved thermal management. In December 2025, a MacRumors report indicated that a kernel debug kit used by Apple engineers referenced MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, indicating that the update is coming soon. On February 1, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to ship the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro around the time when macOS 26.3 is released. That version is currently in beta and could be released in February or March. On February 4, Apple released the release candidate for macOS 26.3. This indicates that the software is almost ready to go and could be officially released in the next week or two. The new laptops could follow shortly after or be released at the same time. On February 9, Gurman reported that the macOS 26.3 beta release candidate cycle runs through March. A release of the new laptops “is currently slated for as early as the week of March 2.” On February 22, Gurman indicated that Apple will launch “at least five new products” by March 4, and that could include the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro. Why the Delay? The staggered release – launching the base M5 in late 2025 while holding back the Pro and Max versions – is reportedly due to a significant architectural shift. As discussed above, the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are rumored to feature a new design that separates CPU and GPU blocks, which may allow for greater customization at the time of purchase to meet the parallel processing demands of AI. New M5 MacBook Pro: Price Prices are unlikely to change. Reports suggest pricing for M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros will align with the current Pro and Max models. Here are the prices for the current standard configurations of the M4 Pro and Max MacBook Pro, for reference. Prices are unlikely to change. 14-inch MacBook Pro $1,999/£1,999: M4 Pro with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB unified memory, 512GB SSD, Thunderbolt 5 $2,399/£2,399: M4 Pro with a 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 24GB unified memory, 512TB SSD, Thunderbolt 5 $3,199/£3,199: M4 Max with a 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB unified memory, 1TB SSD, Thunderbolt 5 16-inch MacBook Pro $2,499/£2,499: M4 Pro with a 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 24GB unified memory, 512GB SSD, Thunderbolt 5 $2,899/£2,899: M4 Pro with a 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 48GB unified memory, 512TB SSD, Thunderbolt 5 $3,499/£3,499: M4 Max with a 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB unified memory, 1TB SSD, Thunderbolt 5 $3,999/£3,999: M4 Max with a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 48GB unified memory, 1TB SSD, Thunderbolt 5 The M5 MacBook Pro prices haven’t changed, but in the U.K. and Europe the Power Adapter will cost extra: $1,599/£1,599: M5 with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD, Thunderbolt 4 $1,799/£1,799: M5 with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, 1TB SSD, Thunderbolt 4 $1,999/£1,999: M5 with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB unified memory, 1GB SSD, Thunderbolt 4 Read our comparison of every Mac Apple sells: Every Apple Mac and MacBook compared.

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Today in Apple history: iTunes hits 10 billion downloads
On February 23, 2010, the iTunes Store officially passed the 10 billion downloads mark. The 10 billionth download was a Johnny Cash song. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple Sports enhanced with NCAA tournament brackets and huge soccer expansion
Apple just upgraded its Apple Sports app with new NCAA tournament tracking features, a huge soccer expansion, and the ability to track leagues and teams in more markets. more…

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Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for $12.97
Why pay list price for Microsoft software? This Windows 11 sale allows you to upgrade your PC to Windows 11 Pro for just $12.97. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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